The Science of Energy
What energy helps us do
1.
2.
3.
4.
Make things move
Make heat
Make light
Make technology work (run electrical
devices)
5. Make things grow
Forms of energy
•All energy falls
under two
categories:
Potential Energy
Potential energy is stored
energy and the energy of
position (gravitational).
Chemical Energy
• Chemical energy is the energy stored in the
bonds of atoms and molecules.
• Biomass
• Petroleum
• Natural gas
• Propane
• Coal
Nuclear Energy
• Nuclear energy is the energy stored in the
nucleus of an atom.
• It is the energy that holds the nucleus
together.
• The nucleus of a uranium atom is an example
of nuclear energy.
Stored Mechanical Energy
• Energy stored in objects or substances by the
application of force.
• Examples:
– Compressed metal springs
– Stretched rubber bands
Gravitational Energy
• The energy of place or position
• Examples:
– Water held in a reservoir behind a hydropower
dam
– When the water in the reservoir is released to spin
the turbines, it becomes motion energy
Kinetic Energy
• Kinetic energy is motion.
• It is the motion of:
–Waves
–Electrons
–Atoms
–Molecules
–Substances
Radiant Energy
• Electromagentic energy that travels in
tranverse waves.
• Radiant includes:
– Visible light
– X-rays
– Gamma rays
– Radio waves
– Example: solar energy
Thermal Energy
• The internal energy in substances (heat)
• It is vibration and movement of atoms and
molecules within substances.
• Example:
– Geothermal energy
Motion
• The movement of objects or substances from
one place to another is motion.
• Example
– Wind
Sound
• The movement of energy through objects or
substances in longitudinal
(compression/rarefaction) waves.
Electrical Energy
• The movement of electrons
• Examples:
– Lightning
– Electricity
Energy Flows
• Where does the body get the energy to
shake a bottle?
•How is energy stored in food?
•What type of energy produced the
radiant energy from the sun?
•All energy can be traced back to what
type?
•If the source of energy must be burned,
then how is it stored?
Look at the chart:
• Calculate the percentage of the nation’s
energy use that each form of energy provides:
Percentage of US Energy Consumption:
• Chemical (petroleum, natural gas, coal,
propane, biomass 88.2%
• Nuclear 8.2%
• Motion 3.15%
• Thermal 0.35%
• Radiant (solar) 0.1%