Types of Energy Quiz

Types of Energy

• Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed
• The amount of energy in the universe remains constant
• Energy is transferred from one object to another, changing speed and temperature

Kinetic Energy

• The energy of moving objects
• Examples include a rushing river and a spinning tornado

Potential Energy

• The energy an object has due to its position or stored condition
• An object has the capacity to create other energy types
• Examples include a storm cloud (converting to electrical energy) and water at the top of a waterfall (converting to kinetic energy)

Electrical Energy

• Carried by an electric current (flow of charged particles)
• Useful for transporting energy from one location to another

Thermal Energy

• Another name for heat
• Measures the kinetic energy of atoms and molecules
• The faster the atoms move, the more heat generated

Chemical Energy

• Potential energy stored in the bonds between atoms
• Released when chemical reactions occur, transforming into other forms like electricity
• Example: Burning gasoline to create kinetic energy in a car

Sound Energy

• Carried by waves through various mediums (air, liquids, solids)
• Generated by vibrating objects

Radiant Energy

• Transported by radiation
• Light is a form of radiant energy, along with infrared, microwaves, and X-rays
• Radiations carry specific energy amounts and can pass through different mediums

Measuring Energy

• Scientists use the term "work" to describe the amount of energy given to or taken from an object
• Work involves a force acting on an object, moving it a certain distance
• The unit for measuring energy is the joule (J)
• One joule is roughly the energy needed to lift three apples or move one pound (.45 kg) a foot (0.3 m)

Tools of the Trade

• A sound pressure level (SPL) meter app can measure sound energy (decibels)

Conservation of Energy

• Energy transformations follow the laws of thermodynamics
• The amount of energy remains constant, changing from one form to another
• Example: Chemical energy from food is converted into kinetic energy (for cycling) and thermal energy (body warmth)

Personality Plus

• James Prescott Joule experimented with different methods to heat water, finding that the energy needed was the same regardless of the methods.
• The joule, a unit of energy, is named after him.

Powering Up

• The power is calculated by dividing the energy used by the time it took to use it.
• Units of power are watts (W)

Try This

• An experiment to calculate a person's power involves measuring weight, vertical height of stairs, and running up the stairs to calculate time and energy to lift one's body. The amount of energy divided by the time required gives power.

Test your knowledge on the various types of energy, including kinetic, potential, electrical, thermal, and chemical energy. Learn how energy is transformed and transferred between objects and the principles governing energy in the universe.