Forms of Energy

Chemical energy

The energy stored in chemical bonds, it is released by chemical reactions. Chemical energy is the power that fuels reactions, driving everything from engines to living cells.

Conduction

The transfer of heat energy between two objects through direct contact. Conduction is when heat moves from one object to another by touching them together.

Convection

The transfer of heat energy from a warmer area to a cooler area in a liquid or gas. Convection. Convection is the process where warm air or liquid rises and cooler air or liquid sinks, creating a cycle.

Energy absorption

The transfer of energy from a wave to an object, like sound energy when it hits a wall. Energy absorption. In simple terms, energy absorption is when an object takes in the energy from a wave or impact, reducing the energy's effect elsewhere.

Heat

The thermal energy transferred from a warmer object to a cooler object. Heat. Heat is the energy that moves from something hot to something cold.

Kinetic energy

The energy of a moving object kinetic energy. Kinetic energy is the energy an object has because of its motion.

Light

Electromagnetic energy that travels in waves, not all light is in the visible spectrum. Light. Light is a form of energy that we can see, which travels in waves through space.

Potential energy

The energy an object has from its position or condition, like a ball on a hill or a stretched spring. Potential energy is stored energy in an object due to its position or state.

Prism

A transparent object that separates white light into colored light. A prism is a glass or crystal shape that bends light and spreads it into a rainbow of colors.

Radiation

The transfer of energy by electromagnetic waves, it does not require matter. Radiation is energy traveling through space as waves or particles.

Solar energy

The energy from sunlight. Solar energy. Solar energy is power obtained by harnessing the sun's light and heat.

Temperature

How hot or cold something is, it is determined by the kinetic energy of its particles. Temperature. Temperature is a measure of how fast the particles in a substance are moving.

Thermal energy

The energy of the moving particles in an object. Thermal energy. Thermal energy is the heat generated by the movement of tiny particles within a substance.

Translucent

Allows some light to pass through but scatters it. Translucent. Translucent materials let light through but blur it so you can't see clear images.

Transparent

Allows light to pass through. Transparent. In simple terms, transparent means a material that lets light pass through so you can see clearly.