Unit 3 Energy 5.1

Unit 3: Chapter 5

Section 1: Energy

Defining Energy

Energy is defined in science as the ability to move matter or change matter in some other way. Energy can also be defined as the ability to do work. When work is done, energy is transferred from one object to another.

SI Unit for Energy

Because energy is the ability to do work, it is expressed in the same unit that is used for work. The SI unit for both work and energy is the joule (J), or Newton ∙ meter (N ∙ m).

Energy has many forms

• If you think about different sources of energy—such as batteries and the sun—you probably realize that energy can take different forms.

• Energy stored in food, is an example of chemical energy. Other forms of energy include electrical, thermal, light, and sound energy.

• The different forms of energy can also be classified as kinetic energy, potential energy, or a combination of the two. Kinetic energy is the energy of moving matter. Potential energy is energy that is stored in matter. 

Multiple Choice

What is energy?

• The ability to do work

• What I feel like.

• A type of matter.

• Atoms.

Multiple Choice

What is the unit for energy?

• grams

• meters

• Joules

• Newton

Multiple Choice

What form of energy does a moving tennis ball have?

• kinetic energy

• potential energy

• spring energy

• chemical energy

Multiple Choice

What form of energy is found in food?

• kinetic energy

• potential energy

• chemical energy

• spring energy