Forms of Energy - JSS1 Basic science Lesson Note

Energy comes in various forms, each with unique characteristics and applications:

 

Kinetic Energy: This is energy associated with motion. Anything that moves possesses kinetic energy, whether it's a speeding car or a swinging pendulum.

 

Potential Energy: This is energy stored in an object due to its position or configuration. Examples include gravitational potential energy (like a ball held up high) and elastic potential energy (like a compressed spring).

 

Chemical Energy: This is stored in the bonds of chemical compounds. When chemical reactions occur, such as burning wood or digesting food, chemical energy is converted into other forms like heat or kinetic energy.

 

Heat (Thermal) Energy: This is the energy transferred between objects due to temperature differences. It's the vibration and movement of atoms and molecules within substances.

 

Electrical Energy: This is the movement of electrons through a conductor, such as wires. It powers our electronics and is generated in power plants from various sources like coal, wind, or solar energy.

 

Light (Radiant) Energy: This is electromagnetic energy that travels in waves. It's produced by the sun and other sources like light bulbs and lasers.

 

Nuclear Energy: This is released during nuclear reactions, such as fission (splitting atoms) or fusion (combining atoms). It's incredibly powerful and used in nuclear power plants and nuclear weapons.