Physical Science: Types of Energy

Physical Science: Types of Energy

Energy is one of the most fundamental concepts in many scientific fields. Learn more about its different types, subsequently testing your knowledge with a quiz.

What is Energy?

Have you ever wondered if there is something in common among objects such as moving cars, turned-on cell phones, and rain drops falling from the sky? Well, there is, and it's that they all possess energy. Without going too much into the mathematics, you can think of energy as the driving force that gives entities the ability to produce change. Let me explain. We all know that cars need to be filled up with fuel to run. But gasoline or any other type of fuel in itself would not make the car move unless it was properly converted into that driving force referred to as energy. Another example is water naturally flowing from a higher altitude to a lower altitude. There is something in these water molecules that makes them move downwards, and again, we refer to it as energy.

Multiple Choice

Which types of energy does a coiled spring primarily contain?

• elastic

• radiant

• electrical

• thermal

Multiple Choice

Which of the following types of energy is associated with movement?

• gravitational

• potential

• kinetic

• chemical

Multiple Choice

Which of the following types of energy is NOT associated with movement?

• thermal

• potential

• kinetic

• radiant

Multiple Choice

Which of the following types of energy is stored in entities?

• thermal

• potential

• kinetic

• radiant

Multiple Choice

Nuclear energy is associated with which of the following?

• Chemical bonds between molecules

• The binding of electrons within the nuclei of atoms

• Moving electrons

• The binding of protons and neutrons within the nuclei of atoms