ENERGY

ENERGY

Energy is seen everywhere, it can be visualized in form of substances, felt in the case of kicking a soccer ball, but can’t be felt, seen, smell or heard in a direct way, all we perceive are its effects.

Energy takes different forms, kicking a ball, which is kinetic energy (energy in motion), a boy standing which is potential energy (energy at rest), a ball falling (gravitational energy), energy stored in petrol (chemical energy), energy in an elastic rubber (elastic energy), movement of piston in automobile engine (mechanical energy), energy from the sun (solar energy), energy produced by reacting radioactive elements (nuclear energy), energy in wires carry current (electrical energy).

These multiple forms of energy can be converted into each other. A match stick converts chemical energy into heat energy. Which brings about the law which states, energy can be transferred from one form to another, but cannot be created nor destroyed. Which is the first law of thermodynamics, the law of conservation of energy.   

FORMS OF ENERGY

There are many forms of energy but basically they fall under these two categories, the potential and kinetic energy.

POTENTIAL ENERGY

Potential energy is energy at rest or of position, some of it’s forms are:

CHEMICAL ENERGY

 it is energy stored in bonds of atoms of molecules, plants releases its chemical  energy through the process of photosynthesis.

NUCLEAR ENERGY

Energy stored in the nucleus of an atom, the energy that holds the nucleus together. The energy can be released when the nuclei are combined or split apart.

GRAVITATIONAL ENERGY

Energy of position or place. A rock resting at the top of a hill contains gravitational potential energy. Hydropower, such as water in a reservoir behind a dam, is an example of gravitational potential energy.

KINETIC ENERGY

Kinetic energy is the energy in motion, the motion of wind, waves, molecules e.t.c

ELECTRICAL ENERGY

The movement of electrons. Everything is made of tiny particles called atoms. Atoms are made of even smaller particles called electrons, protons, and neutrons. Applying a force can make some of the electrons move. Electrons moving through a wire are called electricity.

THERMAL OR HEAT ENERGY

The internal energy in substances, the vibration and movement of atoms and molecules within substances. The faster molecules and atoms vibrate and move within substances, the more energy they possess and the hotter they become. Geothermal energy is an example of thermal energy.

SOUND ENERGY

The movement of energy through substances in longitudinal (compression/rarefaction) waves. Sound is produced when a force causes an object or substance to vibrate. The energy is transferred through the substance in a wave.

SOURCES OF ENERGY

The sources of energy can be classified into two namely: Renewable and non-renewable energy.

NONRENEWABLE ENERGY

These energy sources are called nonrenewable because they cannot be replenished in a short period of time. Sources include coal, petroleum, natural gas, propane, and uranium. They are used to generate electricity, to heat our homes, to move our cars, and to manufacture products.

RENEWABLE ENERGY

Sources include biomass, geothermal, hydropower, solar, and wind. They are called renewable energy sources because their supplies are replenished in a short time.