Forms of Energy

Front

What is thermal energy?

Back

Thermal energy is the energy that comes from the temperature of matter. It is the total kinetic energy of particles in an object, which increases as the temperature rises.

Front

What type of energy is produced by a burning barbeque fire?

Back

The burning barbeque fire produces thermal energy (heat) and radiant energy (light).

Front

What is gravitational energy?

Back

Gravitational energy is the potential energy held by an object because of its height above the ground. The higher the object, the more gravitational energy it has.

Front

What type of energy is released when humans digest food?

Back

The energy released when humans digest food is chemical energy, which is stored in the bonds of food molecules.

Front

What is radiant energy?

Back

Radiant energy is the energy of electromagnetic waves, which includes visible light, infrared, and ultraviolet light.

Front

What is chemical energy?

Back

Chemical energy is the energy stored in the bonds of chemical compounds, like atoms and molecules. It is released or absorbed during a chemical reaction.

Front

What is nuclear energy?

Back

Nuclear energy is the energy released during nuclear reactions, such as fission or fusion, where atomic nuclei are split or combined.

Front

What is an example of thermal energy in everyday life?

Back

An example of thermal energy is the heat produced by a stove when cooking food.

Front

How does gravitational energy work?

Back

Gravitational energy works by the force of gravity acting on an object. For example, a ball held at a height has gravitational energy that can be converted to kinetic energy when it falls.

Front

What is the relationship between thermal energy and temperature?

Back

The relationship is that as the temperature of an object increases, its thermal energy also increases due to the faster movement of its particles.