Types of Energy

Types of Energy

1. Chemical potential energy

   • Energy can be stored in the chemicals from which a material is made
   • Chemicals made from atoms
     • Atoms link together to form molecules
     • Chemical energy stored in links between atoms
   • Examples
     • Food
     • Fuel
     • Bateries

2. Gravitational potential energy

   • When object is in a position above earth possesses gravitational potential energy
   • Examples
     • Plate on a table
     • Book on a shelf
     • Apple on branch
     • All of these examples are supported by something
       • When support is removed they move downwards towards earth and gravitational potential energy is released

3. Strain potential energy

   • Some materials can be squashed, bent etc. but change back once the force acting has been removed
     • When their shape is changed they store strain or spring energy
   • Examples
     • Spring
     • Squashed gases

4. Nuclear energy

   • Every substance is made from atoms, at the centre of each atom is a nucleus
     • Nucleus made from tightly bound protons and neutrons if stable
     • Unstable nuclei may split up to form different smaller nuclei
       • Smaller nuclei more stable
         • When unstable atoms form more stable atoms NUCLEAR ENERGY is released
   • Examples
     • Sun
     • Stars

5. Electrical energy

   • Due to movement of electrons through an electrical conductor

6. Thermal energy

   • Heat
   • Applied to a substance which increases its internal kinetic energy