WHAT IS ENERGY?

Energy is a property of objects, transferable among them via fundamental interactions, which can
be converted in form but not created or destroyed. The joule is the SI unit of energy, based on the amount
transferred to an object by the mechanical work of moving it 1metre against a force of 1 newton.
WHAT ARE THE TWO TYPES OF ENERGY?
1. Potential Energy
2. Kinetic Energy
DIFFERENTIATE THE KINDS OF ENERGY
Potential Energy = the energy that an object has as the result of its position or state. Some examples of
potential energy include: chemical, elastic, gravitational, magnetic
Kinetic Energy = the energy that appears in the form of an objects motion. KE = 1/2mv2. Some examples of
kinetic energy include: sound, electrical, light
Mechanical Energy = kinetic and potential energy (of lifting, bending, stretching or twisting)
Thermal Energy = the total energy of the particles that make up a mass. Thermal energy is internal.
Heat = is a transfer of energy from one part of a substance to another, or from one object to another, because of
a difference in temperature. Heat is a form of energy associated with the motion of atoms or molecules and is
capable of being transmitted through solid and fluid media by conduction, through fluid media by convection, and
through empty space by radiation. Heat is not contained in a mass; an object contains thermal energy.
Light Energy = Sometimes called radiant energy and is visible to the human eye. It is emitted by moving
charged particles. Light sometimes behaves like particles, called photons, and at other times like waves.
Chemical Energy = The potential energy held in the covalent bonds between atoms in a molecule. Food is
essentially stored potential energy.
Nuclear Energy = energy that is released when the nuclei of atoms are split (fission) or fused together (fusion).
Electrical Energy = energy that runs our appliances etc
GIVE AN EXAMPLE OF EACH
Light Energy:
Anything that is luminous gives off light energy. Things such as candles, bulbs and the sun give off light energy.
Kinetic Energy:
This is energy due to movement. Anything that moves possesses kinetic energy.
Gravitational Potential Energy:
This is energy due to position above the ground. When something is lifted up it gains energy. An aeroplane and a
snow boarder can fall and have potential energy.
Sound Energy:
Sound energy is produced by a vibrating object. Sound energy from a radio or a guitar travels in waves to your
eardrum.

Electrical Energy:
When an electric current flows, there is electrical energy. A current flowing in a circuit can provide energy to
power a computer.
Chemical Energy:
Batteries, foods and fuels store energy which can be produced in a chemical action. Our bodies are able to
release energy from food in a chemical process which involves oxygen.
Heat Energy:
Above a temperature of absolute zero everything has heat energy. A flask of hot water has more heat energy
than a flask of cold water because the molecules are moving more quickly.
Elastic Energy:
When anything is stretched it has elastic energy. Stretching the rubber of a slingshot allows energy to be stored,
which can be used to cast the shot. Energy stored in the rubber band of a toy plane can make it move.