Forms of Energy s1

Forms of Energy

Mechanical Energy – is the energy associated with the motion of an object. For example, when you toss a basketball through the air, the moving basketball has mechanical energy. Wind has mechanical energy because it involves the movement of air. You have mechanical energy when you walk or run.

Radiant Energy (electromagnetic energy) – is the energy carried by light. It also includes the energy resulting from the motion of particles within atoms. Light from the sun is radiant energy. Other examples of radiant energy include X-rays, microwaves, and ultraviolet radiation.

Sound Energy – Sound energy is the energy given off by a vibrating object. This energy travels through matter in the form of waves. Talking is a form of sound energy.

Chemical Energy – Chemical energy includes most of the matter you encounter each day. Chemical energy is the energy that is stored in chemical bonds. Food, for example, contains chemical energy that your body uses to provide energy for your brain, to power your movements, and to fuel your growth.

Heat Energy (Thermal Energy) – Recall that all matter is made up of particles called atoms and molecules. These particles are always in motion. The total amount of energy in all of the particles contained in a sample of matter is called thermal energy. Heat is often associated with thermal energy, such as the heat you feel when you rub your hands together on a cold day. However, heat itself is not a form of energy. Heat is thermal energy that is transferred between two objects of different temperatures.

Electrical Energy – Computers, radios, televisions, and lamps are all examples of electrical devices that operate using electrical energy. Electrical energy is energy that results from moving changes.

Nuclear Energy – The center of an atom is the nucleus, which is made of protons and, usually, neutrons. The protons and neutrons of the nucleus are held in place by nuclear forces. Nuclear energy is the energy stored in the nucleus of an atom as a result of the nuclear forces. This energy can be released from the atom in two ways: through nuclear fission or nuclear fusion.