Adapted from The NEED Project, Manassas, VA
Extra copy for Lesson 2 – So teacher can
review this info at the beginning of Lesson 2
FORMS OF ENERGY
All forms of energy fall under two categories
KINETIC
Kinetic energy is energy in motion
RADIANT ENERGY
Radiant energy travels in transverse waves.
Radiant energy includes visible light, x-rays,
gamma rays, and radio waves. Solar energy is
an example of radiant energy.
THERMAL ENERGY
Thermal energy (or heat) is the internal energy
in substances; is it the vibration and movement
of atoms and molecules within substances.
Geothermal energy is an example of thermal
energy.
MOTION
The movement of objects or substances from
one place to another is motion. Wind and
hydropower are examples of motion.
SOUND
Sound is the movement of energy through
substances in longitudinal waves.
ELECTRICAL ENERGY
Electrical energy is the movement of electrons.
Lightning and electricity are examples of
electrical energy.
POTENTIAL
Potential energy is stored energy
CHEMICAL ENERGY
Chemical energy is the energy stored in the
bonds of atoms and molecules. Biomass,
petroleum, natural gas, propane and coal are
examples of stored chemical energy.
NUCLEAR ENERGY
Nuclear energy is the energy stored in the
nucleus of an atom. It is the energy that holds
the nucleus together. The nucleus of a uranium
atom is an example of nuclear energy.
STORED MECHANICAL ENERGY
Stored mechanical energy is energy stored in
objects by the application of a force.
Compressed springs and stretched rubber
bands are examples of stored mechanical
energy.
GRAVITATIONAL ENERGY
Gravitational energy is the energy of place or
position. Water in a reservoir behind a
hydropower dam is an example of gravitational
potential energy. When the water is released
to spin the turbines, it becomes kinetic energy.
