Energy

What is Energy The actual definition of energy is ‘the ability to do work’ Energy cannot be created or destroyed, just changed into different types. It comes in many forms, a few of which we need to know about:

Kinetic energy Energy that produces movement The faster something moves, the more kinetic energy it has.

Mechanical energy A variation of kinetic energy, this is movement energy when something is turning around a pivot (e.g. a bike wheel or a motor engine)

Chemical energy Energy stored in chemicals. We gain energy through the food we eat. Putting fuel in a car is another form of chemical energy.

Potential energy A general term for any kind of stored energy. If we hold a netball in the air it has potential energy.

Other types Sound energy Heat energy Light energy Electrical energy And many, many more (most not important in sport and physical activity)

Energy for PE When a message travels to the neuromuscular junction it is in the form of….. Electrical energy And when it crosses the synaptic cleft it is converted into….. Chemical energy This then allows a muscle to contract and so becomes…. Kinetic energy