Energy
Energy is the ability to work. You need energy to force an object to move. You need energy to make matter change. The blowing wind, the warm Sun and a falling leaf are all examples of energy in use. Energy makes motion and change possible.
There are two basic types of energy, kinetic and potential. Kinetic energy is being used as an object is in motion. Potential energy is in storage just waiting to be used. Many things start out having potential energy, and then once they begin to move, the energy becomes kinetic. For example, a car parked in a driveway has potential energy. When the ignition is started and it drives away, the car gains kinetic energy as it moves. Can you think of another example of potential energy turning into kinetic energy?
There are two basic types of energy, kinetic and potential. Kinetic energy is being used as an object is in motion. Potential energy is in storage just waiting to be used. Many things start out having potential energy, and then once they begin to move, the energy becomes kinetic. For example, a car parked in a driveway has potential energy. When the ignition is started and it drives away, the car gains kinetic energy as it moves. Can you think of another example of potential energy turning into kinetic energy?
Forms of Energy
M. E. L. T. S.
Ø Mechanical Energy – Energy is matter in motion. An airplane soaring through the sky has mechanical energy just like the wind or a flowing river. (Sound is another type of mechanical energy).
Ø Electrical (Electricity) Energy – is the movement of charged particles, negative (-) and positive (+). It can come from batteries or power plants and it can also be found in nature. Power plants burn fuel to make electricity, which is then sent to homes and businesses through wires. (Examples - lightning, light bulbs, electrical devices)
Ø Light (Radiant) Energy – comes from the Sun. Plants use it to make food and scientists use it to create lasers. (Examples – sun, flashlight, light bulb)
Ø Thermal Energy – comes from the motion of tiny particles in matter. The faster the particles move, the warmer the matter can get. (Examples - stoves and matches)
Ø Sound Energy – is a form of energy produced by vibrating objects.
Ø Mechanical Energy – Energy is matter in motion. An airplane soaring through the sky has mechanical energy just like the wind or a flowing river. (Sound is another type of mechanical energy).
Ø Electrical (Electricity) Energy – is the movement of charged particles, negative (-) and positive (+). It can come from batteries or power plants and it can also be found in nature. Power plants burn fuel to make electricity, which is then sent to homes and businesses through wires. (Examples - lightning, light bulbs, electrical devices)
Ø Light (Radiant) Energy – comes from the Sun. Plants use it to make food and scientists use it to create lasers. (Examples – sun, flashlight, light bulb)
Ø Thermal Energy – comes from the motion of tiny particles in matter. The faster the particles move, the warmer the matter can get. (Examples - stoves and matches)
Ø Sound Energy – is a form of energy produced by vibrating objects.