Energy refers to the ability to perform work; different energy forms can be changed into other forms, but the overall amount of energy does not change. Energy (J) is defined by scientists as the ability to do work.
People have figured out how to transform energy from one form to another and then use it to accomplish tasks, making modern civilization feasible.
Walking and bicycling, driving vehicles on roads and boats through water, cooking food on stoves, making ice in freezers, lighting our homes and workplaces, producing goods, and sending astronauts into space all require the use of energy. Now you know what is energy.
What are the Types of Energy?
Kinetic energy and potential energy are the two primary categories of energy. Of course, there are many different forms of energy, but before we delve into that, let’s learn a bit more about these two major categories of types of energy.
Kinetic Energy
The energy of momentum is referred to as kinetic energy. In order for an object to have kinetic energy, it needs to be put into action. It has kinetic energy when an object falls, an airplane takes off, or the breeze blows. An object has more kinetic energy the more bulk and velocity it has. The largest unit of energy, the joule (J), is used to quantify kinetic energy.
Types of Kinetic Energy include:
- Electrical energy
- Motion energy
- Radiant energy (electromagnetic radiation)
- Sound energy
- Thermal energy
Potential Energy
Potential energy is the energy that is stored within an item as a consequence of the arrangement, position, or state of the object. Potential energy objects include things like a light bulb that is off and a parked vehicle at the top of a hill.
Types of potential energy include:
- Gravitational potential energy
- Chemical energy
- ​Mechanical energy
- Strong nuclear potential energy
- Weak nuclear potential energy
Where is Energy stored in a Molecule?
Chemical energy is the stored potential energy that can be found in molecules’ atoms, chemical bonds, and subatomic entities. It could be the energy contained in chemical interactions as well as the energy of the electron configuration.
Chemical energy can only be seen and quantified during chemical reactions, which take place when chemical bonds are broken and new ones are formed.
Also Read: What is Energy Density?
What is Stored Energy called?
Potential energy is the term used to describe the energy that is stored inside an item. This indicates that an object is ready to perform labor when it has energy stored, to put it another way.
To put it another way, it might begin to move. When that potential energy is forced into motion, it transforms into kinetic energy.