Forms of Energy Third Grade Science

Light Light is an energy that we can see. The Sun is our main source of energy. Light travels from its source in straight lines in all directions. Three sources of light energy is from the Sun, fire, and electricity.

Heat Thermal energy travels through objects and space as heat. Thermal energy is the total energy of all the particles in matter. Thermal energy moves as heat from a warmer object to a cooler object. When energy changes form, some heat is given off. Heat energy can be added or released from matter. You can measure the change caused by heat energy.

Sound Sounds are all around you. All sounds are made when matter moves. Sound happens when matter moves back and forth, or vibrates. Pitch describes how low or high a sound is. Slow vibrations cause a low pitch. Fast vibrations cause a high pitch. Sound travels fastest is solids, less quickly in liquid, and slowest in air. Sound travels in waves.

Electricity Electrical energy is the energy that can pass through wires. This form of energy can change into forms that can run the appliances in our homes. We rely on electricity for most of our everyday needs.

Mechanical Energy Mechanical energy is the energy of moving objects. The moving parts of our machines and playground equipment have this form of energy. Mechanical energy is the energy of motion.