Kinetic energy: motion of waves, electrons, atoms, molecules, substances and objects.
Electrical energy: the movement of electrical charges. Everything is made of tiny particles called
atoms. Atoms are made of even smaller particles called electrons, protons, and neutrons. Applying a
force can make some of the electrons move. Electrical charges moving through a wire is called
electricity. Lightning is another example of electrical energy.
Radiant energy: electromagnetic energy that travels in traverse waves. Radiant energy includes
visible light, x-rays, gamma rays and radio waves. Light is one type of radiant energy. Solar energy is
an example of radiant energy.
Thermal energy: otherwise known as heat, is the internal energy in substances – the vibration and
movement of the atoms and molecules within substances. Geothermal energy is an example of
thermal energy.
Motion energy: the movement of objects and substances from one place to another. Objects and
substances move when a force is applied according to Newton’s Laws of Motion. Wind is an example
of motion energy.
Sound energy: the movement of energy through substances in longitudinal
(compression/rarefaction) waves. Sound is produced when a force causes an object or substance to
vibrate. The energy is transferred through the substance in a wave.
Potential energy: stored energy and the energy of position – gravitational energy. There are several
forms of potential energy.
Chemical energy: energy stored in the bonds of atoms and molecules. It is the energy that holds
these particles together. Biomass, petroleum, natural gas, and propane are examples of stored
chemical energy.
Stored mechanical energy: energy stored in objects by the application of a force. Compressed
springs and stretched rubber bands are example of stored mechanical energy.
Nuclear energy: energy stored in the nucleus of an atom – the energy that holds the nucleus
together. The energy can be released when the nuclei are combined or split apart. Nuclear power
plants split the nuclei of uranium atoms in a process called fission. The sun combines the nuclei of
hydrogen atoms in a process called fusion. Scientists are working on creating fusion energy on earth,
so that someday there might be fusion power plants.
Gravitational potential energy: the energy of position or place. A rock resting at the top of a hill
contains gravitational potential energy. Hydropower, such as water in a reservoir behind a dam, is an
example of gravitational potential energy.
Energy Term 2
- Energy is the ability to do work
- Energy can be found in several forms
- When people walk outside, they receive heat and light energy
- Kinetic and potential energy are the main type of forms
- Energy can neither be destroyed nor created, but it can transform from one form of energy
to the other
- Potential energy + kinetic energy = mechanical energy
- Electrical energy gives out both light and heat
