Unit #4 - Energy Types and Transformation

Energy

The ability to do work OR the ability to move matter or change matter in some way.

Kinetic Energy

The energy of motion, defined as the energy of moving matter around.

Potential Energy

The energy that is stored in a person or object, often associated with the position or location of the object.

Mechanical Energy

The total energy of motion and position, which includes both kinetic energy and potential energy.

Chemical Energy

Energy stored by chemical bonds in an object, released when bonds are broken.

Nuclear Energy

Energy stored in the center (nucleus) of an atom, released through fission or fusion.

Electrical Energy

Energy associated with moving electrical charges.

Electromagnetic Energy

Energy that travels in waves, including light, magnetism, and various forms of radiation.

Thermal (Heat) Energy

The internal motion of an object's atoms and molecules, measured by temperature.

Sound Energy

Energy caused by an object's vibrations, traveling through matter in the form of waves.

Energy Transformations

The process of energy changing from one form to another, satisfying the Law of Conservation

Nuclear Fusion

Combining of the Atom (think our Sun)

Nuclear Fission

Splitting of the atom (think Nuclear Bombs)

Equation for Kinetic Energy

Kinetic Energy = ½ mass x velocity²

Equation for Mechanical Energy

Mechanical Energy = Potential Energy + Kinetic Energy