Types of Energy

An overview of different types of energy

Energy

The ability to do work, cannot be destroyed nor created, can only be transformed or transferred

Kinetic energy

The energy an object has due to its motion

Electrical energy

The flow of electrons through a conductor

Radiant energy

Movement of photos and electromagnetic waves through space

Thermal energy

Rapid movement of molecules and atoms which comes off as heat

Sound energy

Movement of energy through a fluid medium caused by vibrating objects

Potential energy

Stored energy based off of the object’s position or state.

Gravitational potential energy

Energy stored based on an object’s mass and height, the higher the object, the more energy it contains

Elastic potential energy

Energy stored as a result of deforming of a flexible object

Chemical potential energy

Energy kept within the chemical bonds of atoms and molecules, and is released when a chemical reaction occurs

Work

Energy in action, when you use force to actually move something