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Forms of Energy

Before we look at energy transformation, let's look at some different forms of energy. Now, we've already discussed the main two types: kinetic energyenergy of motion and potential energyenergy of position but these two types have many different varieties and forms including:

  • Electrical energy – the energy of electrons flowing
    cartoon man blowing his hair back with hair dryer

  • Nuclear energy – energy found in the nucleus of an atom
    nuclear smoke stacks

  • Mechanical energy – the total amount of kinetic and potential energy of objects in a system
    silhouette of roller coaster against sunset

  • Chemical energy – energy stored in chemical bonds
    table top covered with a variety of vegetables

  • Thermal energy – energy due to the vibration of particles (heat energy)
    thermometer in the foreground with hot sun in the background

  • Gravitational energy – energy of an object based on its position above ground
    illustration of an apple tree with apples falling to the ground

  • Sound Energy – energy that moves through substances by compressions/sound waves
    illustration of speaker with soundwaves coming out of it

  • Light Energy – electromagnetic energy that travels in waves
    sun over head of trees and forest

You can probably think of examples of each of these types of energies. We have discussed mechanical as well as gravitational in previous units and lessons. Go to the next tab to examine thermal energy in more detail.