Energy
Energy is the ability to do work. It can be converted from one form to another. Many forms of energy exist, but energy is either potential energy or kinetic energy.
1. Potential energy
Potential energy is stored energy and the
energy of position.
Chemical energy
Chemical energy is energy stored in the bonds of atoms and molecules. Batteries, biomass, petroleum, natural gas, and coal are examples of chemical energy. For example, chemical energy is converted to thermal energy when people burn wood in a fireplace or burn gasoline in a car's engine.
Mechanical energy
Mechanical energy is energy stored in objects by tension. Compressed springs and stretched rubber bands are examples of stored mechanical energy.
Nuclear energy
Nuclear energy is energy stored in the nucleus of an atom—the energy that holds the nucleus together. Large amounts of energy can be released when the nuclei are combined or split apart.
Gravitational energy
Gravitational energy is energy stored in an object's height. The higher and heavier the object, the more gravitational energy is stored. When a person rides a bicycle down a steep hill and picks up speed, the gravitational energy is converting to motion energy.
Kinetic energy
Kinetic energy is the motion of waves, electrons, atoms, molecules, substances, and objects.
Radiant energy
Radiant energy is electromagnetic energy that travels in transverse waves. Radiant energy includes visible light, x-rays, gamma rays, and radio waves. Light is one type of radiant energy. Sunshine is radiant energy, which provides the fuel and warmth that make life on earth possible.
Electrical energy
Electrical energy is delivered by tiny, charged particles, called electrons, that typically move through a wire. Lightning is an example of electrical energy in nature.
Thermal energy
Thermal energy, or heat, is the energy that comes from the movement of atoms and molecules in a substance. Heat increases when these particles move faster. Geothermal energy is the thermal energy in the earth.
Motion energy
Motion energy is energy stored in moving objects. The faster an object moves, the more energy is stored. It takes energy to get an object moving, and energy is released when an object slows down. Wind is an example of motion energy.