What is energy?Energy is the ability to cause change or to do work. UNITS for ENERGY - Joules or Nm.
The combination of energy and matter make up the universe: Matter is substance, and energy is the mover of substance. The Sun is the source for all energy in our solar system. This is the same for all solar systems in the universe. The heat, pressure and gravity of the sun causes all energy. |
types of energy
- MECHANICAL: Energy of Motion. Ex: Car, plane, wagon.
- THERMAL: Energy of Heat; Inside all matter. Ex: Heat from moving molecules, furnace.
- ELECTROMAGNETIC: comes from electromagnetic waves. Ex: Visible light, microwaves, radio waves.
- CHEMICAL: Energy stored in the bonds of chemical compounds. Ex: Batteries, matches, body cells.
- ELECTRICAL: resulting from the flow of electric charge. Ex: Lightning, power lines.
- NUCLEAR: comes from splitting atoms. Ex: Nuclear power plants, atomic bomb, sun & stars.
All energy can be transformed from one type into another. Ex: Moving water turns a “generator” to make electricity that comes to our house and we use for lots of things.
Gravitational Potential ------------> Mechanical ------------------> Electrical --------------------> Light & Heat