Energy Basics

Energy

The ability to do work.

Potential Energy

Stored energy that can be used later, like the energy in a battery or in chemical bonds.

Kinetic Energy

The energy of motion, including forms like radiant, sound, mechanical, and electromagnetic.

Example of Potential Energy

Energy stored in chemical bonds.

Example of Kinetic Energy

Heat, sound, or light energy.

How is potential energy stored in the body?

In chemical bonds and concentration gradients across cell membranes.

Forms of Kinetic Energy

Radiant, sound, mechanical, and electromagnetic.

Concentration Gradient

A difference in the concentration of a substance across a space, used to store energy in the body.

Chemical Bonds

Bonds that store potential energy, which can be released when broken.

Energy in Motion

Another term for kinetic energy.