Everyday Energy

Everyday Energy

Light energy

Energy that comes from sources such as the sun, light bulbs, fires, and animals.

Heat energy

Also known as thermal energy; generated by friction, chemical reactions, or electrical devices.

Electrical energy

Energy that comes from generators, power stations, solar cells, batteries, and lightning.

Potential energy

Stored energy in objects waiting to be used, resulting from a change in shape, height, or chemical reactions.

Gravitational potential energy (GPE)

Energy gained by an object due to its height above the ground; can be converted into other energy forms when falling.

Chemical Potential Energy (CPE)

Energy stored within a chemical substance, released during chemical reactions.

Biomass energy

Potential energy stored in plants and animals, released typically through burning or fermentation.

Nuclear Energy

Energy produced from the splitting or joining of atomic nuclei.

Kinetic energy (KE)

Energy of movement that an object has due to its motion.

Thermal energy

Another name for heat energy generated by friction or chemical processes.

Friction

A force that can generate heat energy when two surfaces rub against each other.

Chemical reactions

Processes that can release energy stored in chemical bonds.

Generators

Devices that convert mechanical energy into electrical energy.

Solar cells

Devices that convert sunlight directly into electrical energy.

Batteries

Energy storage devices that convert chemical energy into electrical energy.

Ethanol

A type of biofuel produced by fermenting the sugars of plants, derived from biomass energy.

Nuclei

The central part of atoms that can react to produce nuclear energy.

Motion

The action or process of an object moving, which is associated with kinetic energy.

Chemical bonds

Connections between atoms that store chemical potential energy.

Heat production

The process of generating heat energy, commonly from burning biomass or through chemical reactions.