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(a)the capacity for doing work
(b)usable power(as heat or electricity); also, the resources for producing such power |
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| Potential energy is engery that isn't being used yet. It is stored energy. It includes; Chemical energy, stored mechanical energy, Nuclear energy, and Gravitational Energy. |
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| Chemical energy is stored in the bonds between atoms and molecules. When these bonds are broken they release energy as heat, light, motion and sound. Coal, oil and propane have stored chemical energy, so does food. |
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| Stored mechanical energy is found in objects that want to bounce back into their natural shape when they are stretched or squished. There is stored mechanical energy in a drawn guitar string and in a compressed spring. |
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| Nuclear energy is the engery which hold together the nucleus of an atom. It is released when atoms are split open (fission) or smashed together (fusion). |
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| Gravitational energy is the energy stored in an object because of where it is placed. A roller coaster at the top of its rails has gravitational energy, so does water held behind in a dam's reservoir. |
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| Kinetic energy is energy which is being used. It is the energy of motion. It includes; Electrical energy, Radiant energy, Thermal energy and Motion energy. |
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| Electrical energy is caused by the movement of electrons. Lightning is electrical energy, so is the electricity that comes into our homes. |
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| Radiant energy is energy that comes from the waves of the electromagnetic spectrum. Light is a type of radiant energy and so are x-rays. |
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| Thermal energy is heat. Heat is caused by the movement of atoms and molecules within a substance. |
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| Motion energy is energy caused by objects or substances that are moving. Tides have motion energy, so does the wind. |
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