What is Energy?

​Energy is the ability to do work or cause change. It is all around us in different forms and can change from one form to another. Energy is never created or destroyed, it just changes form.

Can you name something in your classroom that uses energy right now?

Forms of Energy: Kinetic Energy

Forms of Energy: Kinetic Energy Kinetic energy is the energy of motion. Any object that is moving has kinetic energy.

●      A rolling ball has kinetic energy

●      A person running has kinetic energy

●      Wind has kinetic energy

●      The faster an object moves, the more kinetic energy it has

Question: If you throw a ball gently and then throw the same ball very hard, which throw gives the ball more kinetic energy?

Forms of Energy: Potential Energy

 Potential energy is stored energy that has the potential to do work or cause change.

●      A book on a high shelf has gravitational potential energy

●      A stretched rubber band has elastic potential energy

●      Food contains chemical potential energy

Question: What happens to the potential energy of a roller coaster car as it climbs to the top of a hill?

What is Chemical Energy?

 Chemical Energy Chemical energy is a form of potential energy stored in the bonds between atoms and molecules.

●      Food contains chemical energy that our bodies use

●      Batteries store chemical energy

●      Gasoline and other fuels contain chemical energy

●      When chemical bonds break and new ones form, energy is released

Question: How does your body use the chemical energy stored in the food you eat?

What is Mechanical Energy?

Mechanical Energy Mechanical energy is the energy associated with the motion and position of objects.

●      It is the combination of kinetic and potential energy

●      A pendulum swinging has mechanical energy

●      A bouncing ball has mechanical energy that changes between potential and kinetic

Question: How does your body use the chemical energy stored in the food you eat?

What is Electrical Energy?

 Electrical Energy Electrical energy is the energy carried by moving electrons in an electrical conductor.

●      It powers our lights, computers, and appliances

●      Lightning is a natural form of electrical energy

●      Electrical energy can be easily converted to other forms of energy

●      It travels through wires in circuits

Question: Name three devices in your home that convert electrical energy into other forms of energy.

What is Light and Thermal Energy?

Light and Thermal Energy Light energy is energy that travels in waves and can be seen.

●      The Sun is our main source of light energy

●      Light travels in straight lines

●      Light can be reflected, absorbed, or transmitted

Thermal energy (heat) is the energy of moving molecules.

●      The faster molecules move, the more thermal energy they have

●      Heat always moves from warmer objects to cooler objects

Question: When you stand in sunlight, what happens to the light energy when it hits your skin?

What is Sound Energy?

 Sound Energy Sound energy is energy produced by vibrations that travel through matter in waves.

●      Sound needs a medium (solid, liquid, or gas) to travel through

●      Sound cannot travel through a vacuum

●      Louder sounds have more energy

●      Musical instruments produce sound energy through vibrations

Question: Why can't astronauts hear each other in space without using radios?

What is Energy Transformation?

Energy Transformations Energy can change from one form to another:

●      A light bulb transforms electrical energy into light and thermal energy

●      A car transforms chemical energy in gasoline into mechanical energy and thermal energy

●      A solar panel transforms light energy into electrical energy

●      A battery transforms chemical energy into electrical energy

Question: When you use a flashlight, what energy transformation is taking place?

How do We Use Energy in Our Daily Lives?

Energy in Our Daily Lives Energy is essential for everything we do:

●      We use energy to move, think, and grow

●      Our homes use energy for heating, cooling, and powering devices

●      Transportation systems use energy to move people and goods

●      Energy conservation means using energy wisely to avoid waste

Question: What are three ways you could save energy at home or at school?