Forms of Energy

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Energy Noun

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[en-er-jee]

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Energy

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The fundamental capacity of a physical system to perform work, which can exist in potential, kinetic, or other forms.

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Example: This image displays eight common forms of energy, such as kinetic (motion), potential (stored), thermal (heat), and electrical, using simple, relatable icons.

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Potential Energy Noun

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[po-ten-shul en-er-jee]

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Potential Energy

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The stored energy an object possesses due to its position, state, or composition, which is available for conversion.

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Example: A box lifted from the floor to a table gains gravitational potential energy because work is done against gravity to raise its height.

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Kinetic Energy Noun

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[ki-net-ik en-er-jee]

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Kinetic Energy

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The energy an object possesses due to its motion, which is directly related to its mass and velocity.

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Example: A bus has kinetic energy when it is in motion, like when it is driving up or down the hill in the diagram.

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Gravitational Energy Noun

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[grav-i-tey-shun-ul en-er-jee]

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Gravitational Energy

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A form of potential energy an object has due to its position within a gravitational field, such as its height.

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Example: An object gains gravitational potential energy as its height increases, like this person standing at the top of the stairs.

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Elastic Energy Noun

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[i-las-tik en-er-jee]

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Elastic Energy

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A type of potential energy stored in an object when it is deformed by being stretched or compressed.

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Example: Stretching a spring stores potential energy, called elastic energy. The image compares a spring at rest to a stretched spring to show this energy storage.

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Chemical Energy Noun

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[kem-i-kul en-er-jee]

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Chemical Energy

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A form of potential energy stored within the chemical bonds of atoms and molecules, released during chemical reactions.

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Example: A battery stores chemical energy in its components, like the electrolyte and electrodes, which can be converted into electrical energy.

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Nuclear Energy Noun

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[noo-klee-er en-er-jee]

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Nuclear Energy

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The potential energy stored in the nucleus of an atom, which is released during nuclear fission or fusion.

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Example: A neutron splits a large atom's nucleus, releasing a huge amount of heat energy and starting a chain reaction.

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Mechanical Energy Noun

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[muh-kan-i-kul en-er-jee]

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Mechanical Energy

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The sum of kinetic and potential energy in an object that is used to do work on another object.

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Example: This image shows how a hammer has mechanical energy. Its raised position gives it potential energy, its downward motion is kinetic energy, and together they do work on the nail.

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Thermal Energy Noun

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[thur-mul en-er-jee]

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Thermal Energy

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The internal kinetic energy of a substance due to the random motion and vibration of its atoms and molecules.

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Example: This diagram shows that thermal energy naturally flows as heat from a hot object (red block) to a cold object (blue block).

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Electrical Energy Noun

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[i-lek-tri-kul en-er-jee]

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Electrical Energy

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A form of kinetic energy resulting from the flow of electrically charged particles, known as electrons, through a conductor.

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Example: A battery provides electrical energy, causing charged particles to flow through a conductor and power a light bulb, converting electrical energy into light and heat.