Types of Energies
By: Kirsten Jurgersen
Thermal Energy
Thermal energy is created by the random motion of particles. This type of energy depends on the number of particles and the kinetic energy in the object. In water, the faster the particles move, the greater the object's thermal energy.
(The particles in boiling water move faster so its thermal energy is greater.)
Chemical Eenergy
Food is made up of chemical energy than converted into kinetic energy when a human eats it. Chemical energy is a the energy of a compound that changes as its atoms are rearranged. This energy is also a form of potential energy because it depends on the position and arrangement of the atoms in a compound.
(Food is a well-known type of chemical energy)
Electrical Energy
Electrical energy is the energy of moving electrons. When you plug something into an outlet the electrons in the wires will transfer energy to different parts inside the object. Power plants are a main source for the energy we use in our homes.
(When you plug in an amplifier the electrons begin to move inside it and then used to produce sound.)
Light Energy
Not all light energy can be seen. Light energy is produced by the vibrations of electrically charged particles. Vibrations that transmit light energy don't need to be carried through matter, like sound vibrations do.
(Light energy is used to cook food in a microwave.)
Nuclear Energy
Nuclear energy comes from changes in the nucleus of an atom. One common type of nuclear energy is the sun. There are two kinds of nuclear energy, fusion, which comes form the sun, and fission is used to generate electrical energy at nuclear power plants.
(The sun is a well-known type nuclear energy.)
Bibliography
- Physical Science Text Book