6th Grade Science - Energy * Updated

Energy

The ability to cause a change in matter; the ability to do work

Kinetic Energy

The energy of motion or movement

Potential Energy

The energy an object has because of its condition or position

Solar Energy

Energy that comes from the sun. Radiant energy

Chemical Energy

Energy that can be released by a chemical reaction

Conduction

The transfer of thermal energy from one object directly into another (touching)

Convection

The transfer of thermal energy through the movement of a gas or a liquid, like warm water rising and cold water sinking in the ocean.

Radiation

The transfer of energy by waves that move through matter and space; The transfer of heat that occurs through empty space, ex. campfire

Mechanical Energy

Energy that is the combination of all the potential and kinetic energy something has

Electric Energy

Energy that comes from an electric current

Thermal Energy

Heat energy

Light Energy

Energy in the form of moving waves of light

Sound Energy

Energy of vibrations carried by air, water, or other matter

Example of chemical energy

Food, battery, gasoline

Example of light energy

Light bulb, computer screen

Example of electric energy

Toaster, television, lamp

Examples of mechanical energy

Riding a bicycle, a car, fan spinning

Example of kinetic energy

Sledding down a hill; car moving

Example of potential energy

Rock at top of hill

Example of solar energy

Sun

Conductor

A material through which heat, sound or electricity easily flows

Insulator

A material through which heat, sound or electricity does not easily flow

Example of a good conductor

Metal, copper

Example of a good insulator

Wood, wool, glass, plastic

Heat

A form of energy that is transferred by a difference in temperature, like a warmer object giving heat to a colder object to warm it up.