Forms of energy

Energy is found in different forms where 'work' is being done. When things are happening before us, where there is action, sound or light, we can say kinetic energy is at work. But energy can also be 'hidden' or stored. This is called potential energy. There are many forms of energy, but they can all be put in to two categories: kinetic and potential.

KINETIC ENERGY Kinetic energy is motion. For example, the motion of waves, electrons, atoms, molecules, substances, and objects.	POTENTIAL ENERGY Potential energy is stored energy or the potential energy of gravitation.
Electrical Energy is the movement of electrical charges. Everything is made of tiny particles called atoms - made up of electrons, protons, and neutrons. Electrical charges moving through a wire is called electricity. Radiant Energy is electromagnetic energy that travels in waves like visible light, x-rays, gamma rays and radio waves and solar energy. Thermal or heat Energy is the internal energy in substances--the movement of atoms and molecules within substances. Geothermal energy is an example of thermal energy. Motion Energy is the movement of objects and substances from one place to another. Wind is an example of motion energy. Sound is the movement of energy through substances in longitudinal waves. Sound is produced when a force causes an object or substance to vibrate--the energy is transferred through the substance in a wave.	Chemical Energy is energy stored in the bonds of atoms and molecules. Examples include petroleum, biomass and natural gas. Stored Mechanical Energy is energy stored in objects through the application of a force like compressed springs and stretched rubber bands. Nuclear Energy is energy stored in the energy that holds the nucleus of an atom together and is released when the nuclei are combined or split apart. Nuclear power plants split the nuclei of uranium atoms in a process called fission. Fusion is a process where the sun combines the nuclei of hydrogen atoms. Gravitational Energy is the energy of position or place. A rock resting at the top of a hill contains gravitational potential energy. A good example of gravitational energy is hydropower.

KINETIC ENERGY

Kinetic energy is motion. For example, the motion of waves, electrons, atoms, molecules, substances, and objects.

POTENTIAL ENERGY

Potential energy is stored energy or the potential energy of gravitation.

Electrical Energy is the movement of electrical charges. Everything is made of tiny particles called atoms - made up of electrons, protons, and neutrons. Electrical charges moving through a wire is called electricity.

Radiant Energy is electromagnetic energy that travels in waves like visible light, x-rays, gamma rays and radio waves and solar energy.

Thermal or heat Energy is the internal energy in substances--the movement of atoms and molecules within substances. Geothermal energy is an example of thermal energy.

Motion Energy is the movement of objects and substances from one place to another. Wind is an example of motion energy.

Sound is the movement of energy through substances in longitudinal waves. Sound is produced when a force causes an object or substance to vibrate--the energy is transferred through the substance in a wave.

Chemical Energy is energy stored in the bonds of atoms and molecules. Examples include petroleum, biomass and natural gas.

Stored Mechanical Energy is energy stored in objects through the application of a force like compressed springs and stretched rubber bands.

Nuclear Energy is energy stored in the energy that holds the nucleus of an atom together and is released when the nuclei are combined or split apart. Nuclear power plants split the nuclei of uranium atoms in a process called fission. Fusion is a process where the sun combines the nuclei of hydrogen atoms.

Gravitational Energy is the energy of position or place. A rock resting at the top of a hill contains gravitational potential energy. A good example of gravitational energy is hydropower.

The Energy of Electricity

Links to electricity html and flashes - what is electricity

Electricity is an essential energy source used to provide lighting, heating, and power for appliances ranging from houses and offices through to commercial premises.

It is created by the flow of very tiny particles called 'electrons' through a conductor.

When we look at the production of electrical energy you will see that it changes form many times before it reaches your home.

Last year, Germany installed 960MW of solar photovoltaic power and plans to increase this to over 2800MW by 2010. That’s more than the electricity needed to power Brisbane on a hot summer day.