A primer on energy definitions

Energy is what makes the world go around.

Energy is all around us. Many things produce their own energy such as the sun, the wind, waves and fire. Man has learned how to harness the power of this energy to use for mankind.

Energy is found in different forms, such as light, heat, sound and motion.There are may forms of energy, but they are all put into two categories.

There are two categories of Energy. Kinetic and potential are the two ways energy works.

Kinetic Energy

Kinetic energy is energy in motion. Electrical energy is kinetic energy. The movement of electrical charges. Electrical charges moving through a wire is called electricity. Lightning is a natural form of electricity.

Radiant energy is Kinetic energy. There are several types of radiant energy. Light is one type. Solar energy from the sun is another example. Radiant energy includes visible light, x-rays, gamma rays and radio waves.

Thermal Energy, or Heat is Kinetic Energy. As all things are made of atoms and molecules, everything has its own internal energy. As atoms and molecules move they create more or less energy. For example the atoms and molecules in water can be slowed down by putting water in the freezer. Those molecules freeze… then you have ice. You put the same water on the stove and add heat, the atoms & molecules move faster and faster and the water starts to boil.

Motion Energy is Kinetic Energy. When objects and substances move from one place to another this is called Motion Energy. Wind is an example of motion energy. Waves at the sea shore have motion energy. Renewable motion energy has been harnessed in the past by dams and wind mills. Scientists are working hard to find more ways to harness this renewable energy.

Sound is Kinetic Energy. Sound is the movement of energy through waves. Sound is produced when a force causes an object or substance to vibrate. When striking the head of a drum with the drum sticks this causes sound waves. The energy is transferred through the air in a wave.

Potential Energy

Potential energy is stored energy and the energy or position such as gravitational energy.

Chemical Energy is Potential Energy. Chemical energy is energy that is stored in the bonds of atoms and molecules. These are in such things as petroleum, natural gas and propane. This is chemical energy.

Stored Mechanical Energy is Potential Energy. Stored Mechanical energy is energy that is stored in objects. Such things as compressed springs and stretched rubber bands are examples of stored mechanical energy.

Nuclear Energy is Potential Energy. Nuclear energy is energy that is stored in the very center, the nucleus of an atom. This is the energy that holds the nucleus together. the energy can be released when the nuclei are combined or split apart. This is called fission. This energy was first discovered in the 1940’s when scientists built the 1st atomic bombs.

The sun combines the nuclei of hydrogen atoms in a process called fusion. Scientists are working on creating fusion energy so that someday there might be fusion power plants.

Gravitational Energy is Potential Energy. Gravitational energy is the energy of position or place. For example, a rock sitting at the top of a hill contains gravitational potential energy. Another example of gravitation potential energy is hydropower. This is the water stored in a reservoir behind a dam.