Energy
Energy is the ability to do work or cause change. It exists in various forms such as mechanical, thermal, electrical, chemical, nuclear, and electromagnetic.
Types of Energy:
- Mechanical Energy: The energy possessed by an object due to its motion or position.
- Thermal Energy: The internal energy of an object due to the kinetic energy of its atoms and molecules.
- Electrical Energy: The energy carried by electrical currents.
- Chemical Energy: The energy stored in the bonds of chemical compounds.
- Nuclear Energy: The energy stored in the nucleus of an atom.
- Electromagnetic Energy: The energy carried by electromagnetic waves such as light and radio waves.
Law of Conservation of Energy:
The law of conservation of energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another. In a closed system, the total energy remains constant.
Units of Energy:
The SI unit of energy is the joule (J). Other common units include the calorie (cal) and the kilowatt-hour (kWh).
Energy Sources:
Energy can be derived from various sources including fossil fuels, nuclear power, renewable sources such as solar and wind, and hydroelectric power.
Study Guide Questions:
- What is energy and how is it related to work?
- Explain the different forms of energy with examples.
- Discuss the law of conservation of energy and its implications.
- Compare and contrast different units of energy measurement.
- Explore the impact of different energy sources on the environment and society.
