Energy is the ability to move or change matter in some other way . It is also the ability to do work. The two main types of energy are kinetic and potential energy. The other forms of energy are chemical, solar, nuclear, electrical, thermal, mechanical, sound, and electromagnetic.

Chemical Energy

Chemical energy is energy found in the chemical bonds on compounds. In this example, Mike was riding his bike down the hill, right after getting a delicious cookie from the bakery. The chemical energy in the food transfered into kinetic energy that he used to ride his bike.

Solar Energy

Solar energy is energy that is generated from the sun. The sun generates energy in its core in a process called nuclear fusion. This energy reaches the surface of the earth in the form of electromagnetic radiation. In this example, the sun is shining bright in the sky. The radiation from the sun shines down on the solar panels as shown, powering the panels with electrical energy, powering the house up.

Nuclear Energy

Nuclear Energy comes from releasing energy from the nucleus of an atom. In this example, a nuclear power plant provides a city with electricity. The nuclear energy will transform to electrical energy.

Mechanical energy is the sum of potential and kinetic energy in an object. In this picture, Mike and his friends are on a roller coaster. At the very top, the cart has the potential to move, and then as it goes down it has kinetic energy. This energy moves from mechanical to potential to kinetic energy.

Mechanical Energy

Thermal Energy

Thermal energy is the transfer of heat from one object to another. In this example, heat from the stove transferred into the soup which transforms into chemical energy in the body.

Electrical Energy

Electrical energy is energy from electric charges or moving elections. In this example, Sarah put food in a microwave and heated it up. The electrical energy is what powered the microwave up to be able to warm up her food.

Sound Energy

Sound energy was created when particles of an object begin to vibrate. In this example Mike was on the waterfall when it had kinetic energy and it was going down. At the very end it changed into sound energy when it hit the river.