Forms of Energy
Ashley Matsuda
Mechanical
Defintition
- Kinetic or potential energy associated with the motion or position of an object.
Bowling
Bowling is an example of mechanical energy because the bowling ball has potential energy before it's tossed and kinetic energy when it's moving down the lane.
Penalty Kick
A penalty kick is an example of mechanical energy because when the soccer ball is on the ground it has potential energy, and when the soccer ball is kicked then it has kinetic energy.
Thermal
Definition
- The total potential and kinetic energy of the particles in an object.
Lava
Lava is an example of thermal energy because since it's very hot it has a lot of kinetic energy due to its fast moving particles.
Fire
Fire is another example of thermal energy because the fast moving particles in the fire gradually make the air particles around it move faster making the air warmer.
Electrical
Definition
- The energy of electrical charges.
Batteries
Batteries contain electrical charges that allow them to give off electrical energy to power flashlights, radios, lights, etc.
Power Lines
Power lines contain electrical energy because they transfer the energy to objects that need the electrical charges such as street lights and lamps.
Chemical
Definition
- The potential energy stored in chemical bonds.
Apples
Apples are an example of chemical energy because they have chemical bonds that are held together by potential energy, then the bonds are made into new bonds when they are broken.
Matches
Matches are another example of chemical energy because when the potential energy in the bonds break they create new compounds such as fire.
Nuclear
Definiton
- The potential energy stores in the nucleus of an atom.
Nuclear Power Plants
Nuclear power plants are an example because they use nuclear fission which is the process of splitting of the nucleus to make electricity.
The Sun
The sun is another example of nuclear energy because it uses the process of nuclear fusion to release the large amounts of energy.
Electromagnetic
Definition
- The energy of light and other forms of radiation
Sunlight
Sunlight is an example of electromagnetic energy because its a form of visible, infrared, and ultraviolet light that's given off by the sun.
Microwave
A microwave uses electromagnetic energy to heat the food or liquids inside.