Energy and Its Properties

Energy Basics

• A common form of energy is kinetic energy, potential energy, thermal energy, electrical energy, chemical energy, and radioactive energy.
• Energy is the quantitative property that is transferred to a body or physical system, often measured in joules (J).

Measurement of Energy

• The unit of measurement for energy in the International System of Units (SI) is the joule (J).

Law of Conservation of Energy

• Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only converted from one form to another, according to the law of conservation of energy.
• Energy can be converted into different forms, such as kinetic energy, potential energy, thermal energy, electrical energy, chemical energy, and radioactive energy.

Types of Energy

• Radiant energy is carried by electromagnetic waves, such as light and radio waves.
• Nuclear energy is NOT a common form of energy.

Internal Energy

• The internal energy is the energy contained within a thermodynamic system, including the kinetic energy of molecules, potential energy of molecular interactions, and potential energy associated with the architecture of the system.