Energy is the measure of a physical system's ability to do work. Although quantifiable, energy is not an absolute but must be measured with respect to a reference energy level (kinetic energy, chemical energy, thermal energy, etc.). Energy for a starship's purposes can be derived from many different reactions, the most common of which are matter-antimatter reactions and nuclear fusion, though like matter, it cannot be created or destroyed. There fore matter-antimatter interactions release energy. Obsolete means of converting energy include combustion and nuclear fission. An antimatter reaction is always calculated using Einstein's equation, E = mc2. In theory, the combined annihilation of one kilogram of antimatter with one kilogram of matter will produce 1.8 ×1017 joules of energy (180 petajoules).
Starship energy systems
- Warp core (matter-antimatter reaction assembly)
- Impulse reactors (fusion reactor)
- Electro-plasma distribution network (EPS conduits)
Other energy systems
Energy-based lifeforms
Miscellaneous
- Forms of energy