Energy Forms and Types

Study Notes

Energy is the ability to do work or cause a change and is measured in units of joules (J).
There are several forms of energy, including:
- Potential energy (stored energy), which includes:
  - Chemical energy (stored in food, fuel)
  - Nuclear energy (stored in center of particles)
  - Gravitational energy (stored in object when above the earth's surface)
- Energy we experience, which includes:
  - Sound energy (energy we hear)
  - Light energy (energy we see)
  - Kinetic energy (energy from motion)
  - Thermal energy (movement by particles, heat)
  - Electrical energy (charged particles moving through wire)
  - Mechanical energy (moving objects)

There are three main processes for energy transfer:
- Conduction: transfer of energy by direct contact
- Convection: transfer of energy by the movement of fluids
- Radiation: transfer of energy by electromagnetic waves

Energy cannot be created or destroyed in a closed system, it can only be transferred or transformed from one form to another.
Example: When you hold an ice cube in your hand, the solid water is converted to liquid water as it melts, with energy being transferred from your hand to the ice cube.

A chemical reaction is a process where a rearrangement of atoms occurs, forming new substance(s) with different properties.
All chemical reactions involve a transfer of energy between the system and the surroundings, while total energy is conserved.
Energy cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction; instead, it is either converted from one form to another or transferred between the system and its surroundings.