ENERGY

Forms of Energy

According to the law of conservation of energy, energy is neither created nor destroyed. The amount of energy in the universe remains the same. When energy is used, it is being transformed from one form into other form(s) of energy (e.g. the transformation of electrical energy to thermal energy in a household electric heater).

Chemical Energy

Chemical energy is stored in the bonds of atoms and molecules. It is the energy that holds these particles together. When these bonds break down, energy is released to the surroundings in different forms. Biomass, petroleum, natural gas and propane are examples of stored chemical energy.

Mechanical Energy

It can be further classified in two forms, i.e. the energy of motion (kinetic energy) and the energy of position (potential energy). Kinetic energy enables objects and substances ranging from small particles such as electrons to a meteor (shooting star) to change their positions.

Potential energy or gravitational energy is stored energy in virtue of its position. For example, a rock resting at the top of a hill possesses gravitational potential energy. Hydropower, such as water in a reservoir behind a dam, is an example of gravitational potential energy.

Nuclear Energy

Nuclear energy involves the energy locked in the nuclei of atoms. When two nuclei or nuclear particles collide to produce other particles, energy is released to the surroundings. Uranium is a typical material to generate nuclear energy.

Heat (thermal) Energy

Thermal (or heat) energy is the internal energy in substances. This is the consequence of vibration and movement of the atoms and molecules within substances. The more thermal energy in a substance, the more vibrant the atoms and molecules are. Geothermal energy is an example of thermal energy.

Radiant Energy

Radiant Energy is electromagnetic energy that travels in transverse waves. Radiant energy includes visible light, x-rays, gamma rays and radio waves. Sunlight is one type of radiant energy.

Electrical Energy

Electrical Energy is the movement of electrons. Everything is made up of tiny particles called atoms. Atoms consist of even smaller particles called electrons, protons, and neutrons. Applying a potential across a conductor can cause some of the electrons move and contribute a current. Lightning is a typical example of electrical energy in nature.