Back to: Jss1 Basic Science (BST)

 Forms of energy

Chemical energy, mechanical energy, electrical energy, nuclear energy, sound energy, and heat energy are some of the different kinds of energy.

Chemical energy

This is the energy that is made when chemicals react with each other. The energy that is given off by food is an example of chemical energy.

Mechanical energy

This is the energy that makes things move. A windmill gets its power from the wind, which is a type of mechanical energy.

Thermal energy

This is energy that comes from heat. As a cup of hot tea gets cold, its heat is released into the air. As a cup of hot tea gets cold, its heat is released into the air.

Nuclear energy

This is the energy that is stored in the nucleus of an atom. Atoms split apart or join together in nuclear reactions to make new atoms. Nuclear energy is the name for the energy that is made when these things happen.

Sound energy

This is the energy that is sent through sound waves. Sound can move through solids, liquids, and gases, but it can’t move through a vacuum because there are no atoms to vibrate.

Electrical energy

This is the kind of energy that comes from electricity.

Light energy

This is the energy that can be gotten from light. Sunlight is a good example.

Energy transformations

The process of changing one form of energy into another is called energy transformation. Energy doesn’t go away; it just changes into a different form. 

• Car engines change chemical energy into mechanical energy.
• Generators change mechanical energy into electrical energy.
• A light bulb changes the energy from electricity into light energy.
• The steam engine changes the heat energy into mechanical energy.
• An electric motor converts electrical energy into mechanical energy.
• An engine that runs on gasoline or diesel turns chemical energy into mechanical energy.
• A stove turns chemical energy into heat energy.

Uses of energy

The goal of making energy is to do work with it, provide heat, and get rid of heat (cooling systems). Some ways that energy is used are as follows: 

Some ways that energy is used are as follows: 

1. At home, energy is used to power electronics like the TV, computer, and radio. 
2. Energy is also used to fuel cars, planes, and commercial trucks. 
3. The energy we get from food is used to carry out daily work. 
4. The energy we get from food is used to carry out daily work.  
5. Energy from water, called hydroelectric energy, is used to power mechanical mills and electric generators.