Forms of Energy

What are the different forms of energy?

Energy makes change possible. We use it to do things for us. It moves cars along the road and boats over

the water. It bakes a cake in the oven and keeps ice

frozen in the freezer. It plays our favorite songs on the radio and

lights our homes. Energy is needed for our bodies to grow and it

allows our minds to think.

Why study energy?

Energy: the ability to do work

Energy has a number of different forms, all of which measure the ability of an object or system to do work on another object or system. 

In other words, there are different ways that an object or a system can possess energy.

What is Energy?

(page 1 in Notes Section of Binder)

Potential (PE) Kinetic (KE)

Types of Energy

aka: Stored energy

Definition: Energy that an object or substance has because of its position or condition.

aka: released energy

Definition: The energy of motion in the form of waves, electrons, atoms, molecules, and substances.

(Page 2)

Energy is the ability to do work.

Potential Energy Kinetic Energy

• Stored Energy

• Not Moving

• Increases based on position or height.

• Examples: top of roller coaster, tree branch about to fall

• Energy in Motion

• Increases as motion increases

• Examples: car driving fast, a motor spinning, person running

• Types of energy

• Transforms into other forms of energy

Page

3 Roller Coaster Diagram4 Roller Coaster PE & KE5 Forms of PE & KE

Table of Contents

(Page 3)

Cut out the picture and glue to page 3 in your notebook.

Color each roller coaster car a different color.

Roller Coaster PE & KE

Point A Mostly potential energy

Sitting at the top of the hill.

Point B Losing potential energy and gaining

kinetic energy. Moving down the hill

Point C

Mostly kinetic energy Bottom of hill, reaching highest speed.

Point D Losing kinetic energy and gaining

potential energy. Slowing down as it goes up the hill.

Roller Coaster PE & KE

Forms of PE & KE

Types of Energy

There are four types:

Chemical Energy Nuclear Energy Stored Mechanical Energy Gravitational Energy

Potential Energy

The energy stored in the bonds of

atoms and molecules.

Examples: Food, Biomass, petroleum, natural gas, propane, and coal

Chemical EnergyP

ote

nti

al En

erg

y

The energy stored in the nucleus of an

atom—the energy that holds the nucleus together.

Example: The energy in the nucleus of a uranium atom.

Nuclear Energy

Energy stored in objects by the

application of force. Examples: Compressed springs and

stretched rubber bands

Stored Mechanical Energy

The energy of place or position.

Examples: Water in a reservoir behind a hydropower dam, roller coaster at the top of the hill.

Gravitational Energy

Radiant Energy Thermal Energy Motion Sound Electrical Energy

Kinetic EnergyK

ineti

c E

nerg

y

Electromagnetic energy that

travels in waves or particles.

Examples: sunlight and solar energy

Radiant Energy

The vibration or movement of atoms

and molecules in substances. Examples: heat, Geothermal energy

Thermal Energy

The movement of a substance

from one place to another. Examples: Wind, hydropower,

person running

Motion

The energy associated with the

vibration or disturbance of matter.

Examples: Voices, horns, bells, screams

Sound

The movement of electrons

Examples: Lightning and electricity

Electrical Energy

Energy Doesn’t Disappear

Law of Conservation of Energy - Energy is not created nor destroyed, only transformed.

Name that Energy!

Thermal

Gravitational Energy

Sound Energy

Stored Mechanical Energy

Radiant Energy

Electrical Energy

Motion Energy

Nuclear Energy

Chemical Energy