Types of Energy
by: Sami Medel
Mechanical Energy
Definition- Kinetic or potential energy associated with the motion or position of an object
Examples- A moving car or a baseball thrown in the air
Mechanical Energy= Potential Energy + Kinetic Energy
Thermal Energy
Definition- The total potential and kinetic energy of the particles in a object
Is caused by the particles inside the object moving very quickly.
Examples- Lava flowing or Ice cream melting
Electrical Energy
Definition- The energy of electric charges
Can be a form of kinetic or potential energy.
Examples- Being shocked by a doorknob or Lightning
Chemical Energy
Definition- The potential energy stored in chemical bonds.
Examples- Stored in the food you eat, matches you use to light a candle, and cells in your body
Chemical compounds are made up of atoms and molecules
Nuclear Energy
Definition- the potential energy stored in the energy of an atom
Examples- Nuclear Fusion, Nuclear Power Plants, the Sun
Nuclear energy is released during a nuclear reaction.
Electromagnetic Energy
Definition- The energy of light and other forms of radiation
Examples- Microwaves, X-rays, ultraviolet radiation, infrared radiation, and radio waves
Electromagnetic Energy travels in waves