Types of Energy
There are 8 types of energy:
- solar energy
- thermal energy
- mechanical energy
- gravitational energy
- electrical energy
- sound energy
- chemical energy
- nuclear energy
- solar energy
- thermal energy
- mechanical energy
- gravitational energy
- electrical energy
- sound energy
- chemical energy
- nuclear energy
Solar energy is energy produced by the Sun. The energy is in the form of solar radiation which can then be converted into energy that we use to power many of our day to day things.
All matter vibrates producing sound waves. These sound waves are a called sound energy. The sound vibrations can be turned into energy to power other things.
Thermal energy is energy produced by the movement of atoms and molecules. The movement of the atoms or molecules give off heat and in return produces thermal energy.
Chemical energy is energy released from a chemical reaction. Chemical energy is stored within the bonds of the atoms and molecules that make up a substance. When a chemical reaction occurs it is released. It is a type of potential energy.
Electrical energy is the movement of electrical charges and is commonly referred to as electricity. Electrical energy is the interaction of subatomic particles.
Mechanical energy is the sum of energy in a mechanical system. Mechanical energy exists as both kinetic and potential energy. Kinetic energy is present whenever an object is in motion. Potential energy is based on the position of an object, it is stored energy, and cannot do work on its own.
Gravitational energy occurs when an object is lifted causing it to work against the gravitational field. Gravity is acted upon almost everything it is a force that pulls objects downward. When it is lifted against the gravitational field it gains energy which is released when it falls down to the ground.
Nuclear energy involves the energy held inside the nucleus of an atom. When nuclear fusion or fission occur it produces nuclear energy. Nuclear power plants are restricted to only using nuclear fission. When nuclear fission happens energy is released.