Types of Energy

What is Energy? Energy = The property of an object that allows it to produce change in the environment or in itself. (The ABILITY to do WORK) All energy can be placed into 6 categories: Nuclear Chemical Electrical Thermal Radiant Mechanical

1. Nuclear Energy Nuclear Energy = Nuclear energy is a way of creating heat through the fission (splitting) of atoms. Nuclear power plants use this heat to create steam. All power plants convert heat into electricity using steam.

2. Chemical Energy Chemical Energy = the energy that is stored in the bonds between elements. When you digest food you break apart the bonds of the food releasing energy When you burn wood or fossil fuels (coal, oil, gasoline) you break apart bonds releasing energy

3. Electrical Energy Electrical Energy = the energy of negatively charged electrons. Current electricity is the flow of electrons through a wire. Lightning is electrical energy

4. Thermal Energy Thermal Energy = “Heat” Energy is the vibration and movement of the atoms and molecules within substances. As an object is heated up, its atoms and molecules move and collide faster.

5. Radiant Energy Radiant Energy = Electromagnetic Waves Ultraviolet (UV) Rays Radio Waves X-Rays

6. Mechanical Energy Potential Energy = stored energy due to an object’s position. A stretched rubber band A piano suspended from a cable Kinetic Energy = energy stored in the movement of objects. A car driving down the road A sound wave moving through the air

Energy Transformations These six types of energy can change, or be transformed, from one type to another. Describe (not list) one energy transformation that you see in the video clip. http://player.discoveryeducation.com/index.cfm?guidAssetId=051E082E-111B-4F74-BDE9-3CB641A1C044&blnFromSearch=1&productcode=US

The Law of Conservation of Energy The energy in a closed, isolated system is constant. Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only converted from one form to another.

Energy Conservation Video Clip What will happen when one ball is released? What will happen when two balls are released? What will happen when 3 balls are released? What will happen when 1 ball from each side is released at the same time? According to the Law of Conservation of Energy, energy cannot be created or destroyed only converted form one form to another. So why does a Newton’s cradle stop? Where did the energy go? http://player.discoveryeducation.com/index.cfm?guidAssetId=74FC55CA-DF87-4803-B6DB-7C3A6042AD52

Fun with Newton’s Cradle Massive Newton's Cradle Fun with Newton's Cradle