Conservation And Forms Of Energy Part 1

CONSERVATION OF ENERGY

Energy is the ability to do work. Energy cannot be created. It cannot be destroyed. Energy is passed on from one object to the next. Energy is changed from one form to another. As this happens, some energy is always wasted as heat.

FORMS OF ENERGY

The different types of energy are: Potential, Chemical, Nuclear, Electrical, Heat, Kinetic, Radiant, Light, Sound, and Mechanical.

1) POTENTIAL ENERGY

This is STORED energy. There are two (2) types: gravitational potential energy and elastic potential energy.

GRAVITATIONAL POTENTIAL ENERGY

This is energy contained in elevated objects such as airplanes, waterfalls, and elevated rocks.

ELASTIC POTENTIAL ENERGY

This is energy contained in stretched or compressed objects such as rubber bands and springs.

2) CHEMICAL ENERGY

This is a form of potential energy. It is stored in foods, fuels, and batteries. It is released during chemical reactions. Photosynthesis produces chemical energy. Carbon dioxide + water à glucose + oxygen. Glucose contains chemical energy.

3) NUCLEAR ENERGY

This energy is produced in two (2) ways: Nuclear Fission and Nuclear Fusion.

NUCLEAR FISSION

Heavy elements are broken down to produce lighter elements. This is used to produce electricity. It releases heat, light, and harmful rays.

NUCLEAR FUSION

Light elements are joined together to produce heavy elements. This takes place in the Sun and stars.

4) ELECTRICAL ENERGY/ ELECTRICITY

This is a flow of electrical current. It is made in power stations. It is used widely in homes, schools, industries, and factories. It can be changed into many different types of energy.

5) HEAT ENERGY

Heat is energy that goes from a region of high temperature to a region of low temperature. When a cold object is placed in a warm area, it will pick up heat from the surroundings. The cold object will get hotter and melt. When a warm object is placed in a cold area, heat from the object will go out into the surrounding area. The warm object will get cooler. The Sun gives off heat. Combustion (burning) releases heat. Electricity/ electrical appliances such as iron, toaster, and oven produce heat.

6) KINETIC ENERGY

This is energy contained in a moving object such as a truck, flying bullet, bird, and sprinter.

7) RADIANT ENERGY

Radiant energy is also called Electromagnetic Radiation – EMR. Radiant energy is energy that is given off from one object to another. Energy passes through a vacuum (empty space). Examples include Radio waves, microwaves, ultraviolet rays (UV), and X-rays.

Dull, black, and rough surfaces absorb heat energy and radiate heat energy.

Shiny, silvery, and smooth surfaces do not absorb heat energy and do not radiate energy. Instead, they reflect heat energy.

8) LIGHT ENERGY

Light energy allows us to see. Plants use light energy from the Sun to make food during photosynthesis. Sources of light energy include the Sun, stars, lightning, fire, and fireflies.

9) SOUND ENERGY

Sound energy is made when objects vibrate. Examples are vocal cords and musical instruments.

10) MECHANICAL ENERGY

This is energy in the moving parts of objects. Potential energy + kinetic energy = mechanical energy.