Forms and Transformations of Energy Explained in 'The Important Book About Energy'

The Important Book About Energy By D. Boswell and M. Wattman- Turner Adapted by Eva Thaddeus

Table of Contents Kinetic and Potential Energy Page 3 Heat Energy Page 5 Light Energy Page 6 Sound Energy Page 7 Electrical Energy Page 8 Chemical Energy Page 9 Who Needs Energy? Page 10 Glossary Page 11

Energy The important thing about energy is that it exists in many forms and can change from one form to another. Energy isn't something you can touch, but it is everywhere. People need energy to live, move, and have comfortable lives. Scientists define it as the capacity to do work, because energy causes change and makes things happen. Different forms of energy are heat, light, sound, electricity and chemical energy. But, the most important thing about energy is that it exists in many forms and can change from one form to another.

Kinetic and Potential Energy The important thing about energy is that it exists in many forms and can change from one form to another. All energy is either kinetic energy or potential energy. Kinetic energy is when something moves, like a person running, a clock ticking, a plane flying, or electrons moving. Potential energy is stored or waiting to be used, like in food, batteries, gasoline and other chemicals. Energy can also be stored from gravity, like a skateboarder on top of a ramp. But, the most important thing about energy is that it exists in many forms and can change from one form to another.

Heat Energy The important thing about energy is that it exists in many forms and can change from one form to another. Heat is the movement of molecules, so it is a form of kinetic energy. All things, hot and cold, have heat energy. When things are hot, the molecules move faster. When things are cold, the molecules move slower. The sun is our primary source of heat energy. But, the most important thing about energy is that it exists in many forms and can change from one form to another.

Light Energy The important thing about energy is that it exists in many forms and can change from one form to another. Light is energy that travels in particles and waves of different lengths. Light waves can travel through empty space, but sound waves cannot. Light is a form of kinetic energy because it moves. When the light waves reach our eyes, we can see them. Anything that gives off light is a light source. Stars are our primary source of light, especially the Sun. But, the most important thing about energy is that it exists in many forms and can change from one form to another.

Sound Energy The important thing about energy is that it exists in many forms and can change from one form to another. Sound is energy that travels in WAVES. Sound is a type of kinetic energy because it moves. Whenever something VIBRATES, these sound waves travel to our ears so we can hear it. Sound needs air, water, or solids in order to travel. Sound cannot travel in space. Sound comes from other forms of energy like when two objects hit together or as air moves. But, the most important thing about energy is that it exists in many forms and can change from one form to another.

Electrical Energy The important thing about energy is that it exists in many forms and can change from one form to another. Electrical energy comes involves moving electrons, which are tiny parts of atoms. Electrical energy is a form of kinetic energy because it moves. Static electricity occurs when electrons jump from one object to another, like in lightning. Rub a balloon on your hair, or socks on the carpet and you also get electrons jumping. Slide down a plastic slide and then touch someone. Do you get an electric shock? You have picked up electrons from the slide, and when you touch your friend, they jump. This is static electricity. Current electricity happens when electrons move along a wire, flowing in a circular pattern called a circuit. Electricity always comes from other forms of energy. These sources can be nonrenewable, like oil and natural gas, or renewable, like wind and solar. But, the most important thing about energy is that it exists in many forms and can change from one form to another.

Chemical Energy The important thing about energy is that it exists in many forms and can change from one form to another. Chemical energy is held in the bonds between molecules. Chemical energy is a form of potential energy because it is energy waiting to happen when burning or other chemical reactions break the bonds, kinetic energy is created. Chemical energy can be stored in fossil fuels like coal and petroleum. Chemical energy can also be stored in food. Batteries store chemical energy that can then be turned into electricity. But, the most important thing about energy is that it exists in many forms and can change from one form to another.

Who Needs Energy? The important thing about energy is that it exists in many forms and can change from one form to another. All living things need energy to grow their bodies and do things. Plants make the energy they need from water, carbon dioxide, and sunlight. Animals get the energy they need by eating plants or other animals. Plants and animals store extra energy in their bodies in the form of sugars, starches and fats. Human beings are special among animals, because they have learned to get energy from many sources. Humans burn fuel for energy. They have learned to use the wind, the sun, the heat in the Earth s core, and even the energy inside the atom in order to give them energy for the things they need and the things they want. They have learned to take one form of energy and change it into a form that is useful to them. But, the most important thing about energy is that it exists in many forms and can change from one form to another.

Glossary Word Definition Atom The smallest particle of a substance that can exist by itself or be combined with other atoms. Circuit The complete path that an electric current travels along. Current (electrical) A flow of electricity. Electron A very small particle of matter that has a negative charge of electricity and that travels around the middle of an atom. Nonrenewable (energy) Not capable of being replaced by natural ecological cycles. Renewable (energy) Capable of being replaced by natural ecological cycles. Static Electricity Electricity that collects on the surface of something and does not flow as current and can cause a mild shock if you touch it. Waves (sound) A wave that is formed when a sound is made and that moves through the air and carries the sound to your ear. Vibrates To move back and forth or from side to side rapidly to produce a quivering effect or sound.