Name :
Date:
Hour:
Forms of Energy
We have learned about potential energy, kinetic energy, and thermal (heat)
energy, but did you know that they are other types of energy? Think about the different
types of energy you have heard of. Read on to learn about the different forms of energy
and where to find them.
Mechanical Potential Energy
The potential energy we have explored so far has been a type of mechanical
energy. When an object is raised off the ground, it has gravitational potential
energy. When an object is stretched or compressed, we say that it has elastic
potential energy. Yet, did you know there are actually other forms of potential energy?
These include stored mechanical (GPE and EPE), nuclear, chemical, and electrical
energy.
Nuclear Energy
One form of potential energy is called nuclear energy. Nuclear energy is the
energy released when the nucleus of an atom is split apart (during fission) or
combined with another nucleus (during fusion). When scientists split the nucleus of
an atom, a lot of energy is released. Nuclear energy can create heat energy which can
be converted into electricity. Many places around the world have nuclear power plants.
The Sun’s energy comes from the fusion of hydrogen atoms.
Diagram of an atom
Chemical Energy
Chemical energy is another form of potential energy. The energy that is stored
in the bonds between atoms is chemical energy. To release this energy, we have to
break the bonds that hold these atoms together.
A TV remote-control needs batteries to keep working. Chemical changes in the
battery create energy to change the channels. Chemical energy can be changed into
motion and heat. Like a battery, our bodies also store chemical energy. The energy
stored in the food we eat becomes the energy we use to grow and do work.
Electrical Energy
A third form of potential energy is electrical energy. Electrical energy is an
electrical charge that flows through a conductor, like a metal wire. An electric
blanket can keep you warm on a cold night. You plug the blanket into the wall. Electric
current flows through the blanket. It changes electrical energy into heat. Electrical
energy is transformed into different types of energy in devices such as a TV, which
turns electrical energy into light energy and sound energy.
Name :
Date:
Hour:
Mechanical Kinetic Energy
What do you think about when someone mentions kinetic energy? A picture of a
moving object probably comes to mind. We have explored a type of kinetic energy
called mechanical energy. All of the examples we discussed, such as a ball rolling
down a hill or an arrow flying through the air, are types of mechanical kinetic
energy. Types of kinetic energy include mechanical (motion), light, sound, and thermal
energy.
Light Energy
Some energy can be seen. Light energy is the energy that our eyes can
sense. Heat energy is sensed by our skin, while light is sensed by our eyes. Light often
travels with heat. Examples of light energy include the light produced by the Sun, fire,
and a light bulb. We classify light energy as a type of kinetic energy because light
travels in waves, which allows it to move from one point to another.
Sound Energy
Hold your hand against your throat and quietly hum. Did you feel that? The
movement, or kinetic energy, you felt is sound energy. Sound energy is a vibration
that travels through a material. Anything that you can hear is sound. It travels by
making vibrations in air, water, and solids.
Thermal Energy
Thermal energy is the movement of molecules that make up the object. The
molecules move faster when heated. The thermal energy of an object is the kinetic
energy of molecules that make up the object. An object has more thermal energy when
it is warm than when it is cool. Thermal energy, in the form of heat, is transferred from a
warm object to a cooler object.
Directions for the Next Step
You will now create your Forms of Energy foldables! The foldables will have four tabs
each, but you will make two foldables for a total of eight tabs.
How to fold – (See example at your table for the finished product.)
1) Fold paper in half length-wise (hotdog fold).
2) Now fold your paper in half twice (two hamburger folds)
3) Unfold your paper until you are back to the hotdog fold. You should see four tabs.
Cut along the fold lines of these tabs WITHOUT cutting through the other side.
4) Complete steps 1-3 to create your second foldable
Write one of the six types of energy (mechanical potential energy, nuclear energy,
chemical energy, electrical energy, mechanical kinetic energy, light energy, sound
energy, and thermal energy) on each tab.
On the inside of each tab record…
 important notes about each type of energy.
 examples of each type of energy.
 a colorful picture to represent the energy.
Write you name on the back of your foldables and glue one to page 21 and the other to
page 22 of your science notebook.