Energy and Its Forms Notes
Energy and Work
Energy is the ability to do work; work is a transfer of energy.
Energy is known by the changes it causes.
Work is done when a force moves an object through a distance.
Both work and energy are measured in joules (J).
Kinetic Energy
Kinetic energy is the energy of motion, depending on mass and speed.
Formula:
Example: A 70.0-kilogram man walking at 2.0 m/s has .
Potential Energy
Potential energy is stored energy due to position or shape.
Gravitational potential energy depends on mass, height, and gravity.
Elastic Potential Energy: energy of a stretched or compressed object.
Forms of Energy
Major forms: mechanical, thermal, chemical, electrical, electromagnetic, and nuclear energy.
Forms: kinetic, potential, and energy in fields.
Mechanical Energy
Energy associated with motion and position.
Sum of potential and kinetic energy.
Thermal Energy
Total potential and kinetic energy of microscopic particles.
Increases with faster atom movement.
Chemical Energy
Energy stored in chemical bonds.
Released energy can do work.
Electrical Energy
Energy associated with electric charges.
Electric charges exert forces.
Electromagnetic Energy
Energy that travels through space as waves.
Examples: visible light and X-rays.
Nuclear Energy
Energy stored in atomic nuclei by nuclear forces.
Released through nuclear fission or fusion.