Types of Energy & Energy Conversions Mechanical Energy Chemical Energy Types of Energy & Energy Conversions Batteries Wire Bulb

Potential Energy is energy that has been stored in objects. Potential energy is waiting to be used. It has the potential to cause change.

Kinetic Energy Kinetic energy is the energy of motion. When things are moving, they have kinetic energy.

It describes the combination of the two energies. Types of Energy Mechanical Energy is the sum of an object’s kinetic and potential energies. It describes the combination of the two energies.

This is mechanical energy! Types of Energy As this car starts moving itself up the hill, energy is converted into kinetic and potential energy. This is mechanical energy!

So when you see something moving, it has mechanical energy. Types of Energy For our purposes, we will relate mechanical energy to its kinetic energy component. So when you see something moving, it has mechanical energy.

The higher an object is lifted, the more potential energy it gains! Types of Energy Gravitational Potential Energy is the energy stored in objects that have been lifted above the ground. The higher an object is lifted, the more potential energy it gains!

Springs and rubber bands store elastic energy! Types of Energy Elastic Potential Energy is the energy stored in objects that have been stretched or compressed. Stretched Rubber Band Compressed Spring Springs and rubber bands store elastic energy!

Chemical Energy is the energy store inside of molecules. Types of Energy Chemical Energy is the energy store inside of molecules. Food Fuel Batteries Food, fuel and batteries all store energy in the form of chemical energy!

Types of Energy Thermal Energy is more commonly called heat. Thermos, thermometer, and thermostat are all words that are related to heat. Therm- means heat! What words can you think of that start with “therm-”?

Types of Energy Electrical Energy is the energy that travels through the wires of a circuit. Electrical Outlet Batteries do NOT contain electrical energy! Be sure your students understand that. Electrical energy goes through the wires. It is then converted into other forms that can be seen! Wire

Types of Energy Sound Energy is a type of energy that travels in waves and is easy to recognize.

Types of Energy Light Energy is also a type of energy that travels in electromagnetic waves. Solar Energy Light energy from the sun is so important that it has its own name: Solar Energy!

Energy Conversions There are many forms of energy, and energy is always being transferred and transformed from one type to another. Batteries Wire Bulb

chemical energy  electrical energy  light energy Energy Conversions The chemical energy stored in the batteries is being converted into the electrical energy going through the wires. Then, that electrical energy is being converted into light energy. Bulb Wire Batteries chemical energy  electrical energy  light energy

chemical energy  mechanical energy Energy Conversions The chemical energy in the gasoline is being converted into mechanical energy. chemical energy  mechanical energy

electrical energy  thermal energy Energy Conversions When energy changes forms, it is called an energy conversion or an energy transformation. electrical energy  thermal energy