Energy is a generic term that we often use in our daily lives. Although often used loosely, energy has a specific physical meaning. In physics, we define energy as the ability of something to do a job. Energy can exist in many forms. All forms of energy are either kinetic or latent. In this article, let's learn more about what energy is and the different types of energy.
There are different forms of energy on Earth. The sun is considered to be the basic form of energy on Earth. In physics, energy is considered a quantitative property that can be transferred from an object to perform work. Therefore, we can define energy as the power to perform any type of physical activity. So, to put it simply, we can define energy as – energy is the ability to do work.
According to the law of conservation of energy, "energy can neither be created nor destroyed, it can only be transformed from one form to another". The SI unit is the joule.
The international system of units of measurement for energy is the joule. The energy unit is named after James Prescott Joul. Joule is a derived unit that is equal to the energy expended by applying one newton force at a distance of one meter. However, energy is also expressed in many other units, such as calories, British thermal units, kilowatt hours, and kilocalories, which require conversion factors.
While energy comes in many forms, it is broadly divided into:
1.Kinetic energy. 2.Potential energy.
Kinetic energy is the energy associated with the motion of an object. An object in motion is capable of causing change or is capable of working. For a better understanding, let's think of a wrecking ball. Wrecking balls in motion are used to demolish buildings, stones, etc. Even a slow-moving wrecking ball can cause a lot of damage to another object, such as an empty house. However, an unsporting wrecking ball does nothing.
Another example of kinetic energy is the energy associated with the constant random bounce of an atom or molecule, which is also known as thermal energy. The average heat energy of a group of molecules is what we call temperature, and when heat energy is transferred between two objects, it is called heat.
Radiant energy is the type of energy that travels through waves or particles. This energy is generated through electromagnetic waves, which humans often experience in the form of heat. Here are a few examples of radiant energy:
When you turn on an incandescent light bulb, it releases two forms of energy. Produces visible light and heat. Both of these produced energies are a form of radiant energy.
Sunlight is an example of radiant energy.
Thermal energy is similar to radiant energy and is experienced in the form of heat or warmth. Radiant energy refers to waves or particles, while thermal energy describes the level of activity between atoms and molecules in an object. This is the only difference between radiant energy and thermal energy. Some examples of thermal energy include:
Geothermal energy from the decay of natural minerals and the volcanism of the earth is an example of thermal energy.
When you heat your pizza in the oven, you raise the temperature of the pizza. When pizza is hot, the molecules that make up the pizza move faster.
The warmth you feel from the engine is an example of thermal energy.
Humans experience vibrations that reach the human ear in the form of sound. The perturbation passes through a medium like air in the form of a wave to our eardrum. Once they reach the eardrum, these vibrations are converted into electrical signals and sent to the brain, which we interpret as the sensation of sound.
The flow of negatively charged electrons around a circuit produces electricity, which we often refer to as electrical energy.
Mechanical energy is the energy associated with the mechanical motion of an object. This type of energy can also be referred to as motor energy.
Potential energy is the energy stored in an object or system of objects. Potential energy can be converted into a more pronounced form of kinetic energy.
Gravitational potential energy is the energy stored in an object due to its vertical position or height. Books on shelves have a higher gravitational potential energy than books on the ground.
Gravitational potential energy examples:
River water at the top of the waterfall.
A book on the table before he collapsed.
A car parked at the top of a hill.
Elastic potential energy is the result of applying a force to deform an elastic object. The energy is stored until the force is eliminated and the object springs back to its original shape, working in the process. Deformation can involve compressing, stretching, or twisting an object.
A coiled spring.
The rope of the archer's bow was pulled back.
A rubber band that has been stretched.
Chemical potential energy is the energy stored in the chemical bonds of a substance. Energy can be absorbed and released due to changes in the number of particles of a given species.
Before the sun shines on the plant (potential photosynthesis).
Gasoline before ignition.
Before the fireworks are launched.
Electric potential energy is the energy required to move an electric charge against an electric field.
An incandescent bulb turned off.
A radio tower that is not working.
Turn on the TV in front of it.
We know that energy can be transferred from one form to another. The movement of energy from one location to another is known as energy transfer. We notice that various energy transformations are taking place around us.
Mechanical-through the action of force.
Electric - Electric.
By radiation - by light waves or sound waves.
By heating - by conduction, convection or radiation.
The process that causes energy to change from one form to another is known as energy conversion. While energy can be converted or transferred, the total amount of energy does not change.
The law of conservation of energy is one of the fundamental laws of physics. It controls the microscopic movement of individual atoms in chemical reactions. The law of conservation of energy states: "In a closed system, the total energy of the system is conserved." According to this law, the total energy in the system is conserved even if an energy conversion occurs. Energy can neither be created nor destroyed, it can only be transformed from one form to another.