Energy Forms and Transformations

The term energy describes the capacity to produce changes within a system.

There aren’t different “types” of energy. Energy is transformed and can reside in different states.

Energy Forms and TransformationsEnergy has many different forms, and many devices transform energy between these various forms:

• Electric circuits transform electrical energy into heat, light, sound, and mechanical energy.

• The sun transforms nuclear energy into light and radiant energy.

• Chemical reactions transform chemical energy into other forms of energy.

Mechanical Energy

The sum of an object’s kinetic (or motion) energy, its gravitational potential energy, and its elastic potential energy.

Mechanical Energy

Kinetic Energy• The energy of movement– Movement is a broad term

Mechanical EnergyPotential Energy-The energy of position -The ability to do work-Between an object and a given position-Gravitational, elastic, chemical

Heat EnergyKinetic energy associated with the random

motions of particles that make up an object.-More correctly called thermal energy.

Chemical Energy

Potential energy associated with the arrangement of charged particles in atoms and molecules.

This energy can be transformed during chemical changes when bonds between atoms are broken, made, or rearranged.

Nuclear Energy• Energy possessed by the nucleus of atoms as a

result of the strong force that holds the nucleus together.

• This energy can be converted into kinetic energy in the processes such as fission and fusion.

Electrical EnergyA form of potential energy that charged particles

may have due to the electrical forces exerted on them.

Sound EnergyThe kinetic energy of moving molecules that

carry sound waves.

Light Energy

Energy carried by visible light.– Electromagnetic radiation

Radiant Energy

• Energy carried by waves similar to light but invisible, such as microwaves, radio waves, infrared rays, and ultraviolet rays.

Alternative Definition

Energy is the ability to do work.

Energy TransformationsEnergy doesn’t change “forms.” It merely exists in different states.What state (form) is the energy currently in?

Energy Chain/Web