Forms of Energy

Energy

The ability to do work or cause change is energy. The majority of energy on Earth originates from the Sun. There are many forms of energy.

MR CENTS Strategy

  • Mechanical

  • Radiant

  • Chemical

  • Electrical

  • Nuclear

  • Thermal

  • Sound

Mechanical Energy

Mechanical energy is the energy in moving objects. It is the energy of motion or position and can be potential or kinetic energy.

Examples- Spinning gears, windmill, riding a bike

Radiant Energy

Radiant energy is the energy of light that is also referred to as light energy or electromagnetic energy. It travels in waves and in a straight path from one place to another.

Examples- Television, traffic lights, cell phone

Chemical Energy

Chemical energy is the energy stored in bonds or molecules. It is involved when chemical reactions take place and is a form of potential energy.

Examples- Food, coal, batteries

Electrical Energy

Electrical energy is the energy of moving electrons or electric charges. Electricity is used by many different objects in our daily lives and was first used in homes in the late 1800s.

Examples- Lamp, electrical outlet, charger

Nuclear Energy

Nuclear energy is the energy locked in the nucleus of an atom.

  • Nuclear Fission- the process of splitting an atom

  • Nuclear Fusion- two or more atoms violently joined together to make a larger atom.

Examples- Sun, Stars, powerplants, atomic bomb

Thermal Energy

Thermal energy is the energy of heat. Particles of hot objects move faster than the particles of cooler objects.

  • Hot= more thermal energy

  • Cold= less thermal energy

Examples- Iron, toaster, fire

Sound Energy

Sound energy is the energy from vibrations in matter that can travel through solids, liquids, and gases. Sound must have matter to travel through.

Examples- Bullhorn, alarm clock, radio