Energy & Transformations

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What is energy?

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Energy is the ability to do work or cause change. It exists in various forms, including kinetic, potential, thermal, chemical, and electrical.

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What is kinetic energy?

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Kinetic energy is the energy of an object in motion. It depends on the mass of the object and its velocity.

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What is potential energy?

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Potential energy is stored energy based on an object's position or state. For example, a rock at the top of a hill has gravitational potential energy.

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What is thermal energy?

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Thermal energy is the total kinetic energy of particles in a substance. It is often associated with heat.

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What is chemical energy?

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Chemical energy is the energy stored in the bonds of chemical compounds, like food or fuel. It is released during a chemical reaction.

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What is electrical energy?

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Electrical energy is the energy caused by the movement of electrons. It powers devices like lamps and appliances.

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What is an energy transformation?

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An energy transformation is the process of changing energy from one form to another, such as electrical energy to light energy in a lamp.

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Example of energy transformation: Electrical to Mechanical to Sound

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A pencil sharpener plugged into a wall outlet transforms electrical energy into mechanical energy (the motor spins) and then into sound energy (the noise of sharpening).

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Example of energy transformation: Electrical to Light

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A lamp plugged into a wall socket transforms electrical energy into light energy when it is turned on.

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What happens when a student rubs their hands together?

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The energy transformation that occurs is chemical energy (from food) to mechanical energy (movement of hands) to thermal energy (heat generated by friction).