physics energy stores

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kinetic energy store

• A runner has more energy in their kinetic energy store when they are running faster.

• The amount of energy in the kinetic energy store depends on the speed of the object.

gravitational potential energy store

• A box has more energy in its gravitational potential energy store when it is placed on a higher shelf.

• The amount of energy in the gravitational potential energy store depends on the height of the object.

thermal energy store

• An object has more energy in its thermal energy store when it is hot than when it is cold.

• The amount of energy in the thermal energy store depends on the temperature of the object.

chemical energy store

• Batteries, foods and fuels store energy in their chemical energy stores. The candle wax in the picture is a type of fuel.

• Transfer of energy from the chemical energy store occurs due to chemical reactions.

elastic potential energy store

• A stretched or squashed object has more energy in its elastic energy store.

• The amount of energy in the elastic energy store depends on the amount of extension or compression.

what happens to the gravitational/ kinetic energy stores when a ball falls to the ground?

• When a ball falls to the ground, the gravitational potential energy decreases and the kinetic energy increases

energy transfers:

• mechanical working – when a force is applied to move an object through a distance

• electrical working

• heating

• radiation

radiation energy transfer

• radiation – when energy is transferred as a wave, for example as light or sound

• Energy is transferred as a wave, for example infra red radiation from a toaster to a slice of bread.

  

heating

• heating – when energy is transferred between hotter and colder regions

• Energy moves from the thermal store of a hotter object to the thermal store of a cooler object, for example when a handwarmer is used to warm up your hands.

electrical working

• electrical working – when charge flows (electricity) through a conductor, enabling devices to operate and perform work.

• Charges flow in a circuit, for example in a battery powered toy train

  

mechanical working

• mechanical working – when a force/ energy is applied to move an object through a distance