Energy in all Sciences

Energy is described differently in different science subjects.

It has no perfect definition.

Chemistry

In chemistry, it is described more on terms of chemical reactions.

Biology

In biology, it is described as the amount of energy that can be transferred to organisms.

Geology

In geology, it is described as the energy transformations on earth like volcanoes and earthquakes.

Meterology

With meterology, it is described as the strength of the storm.

Astronomy

In astronomy, it is described as the strength of the sun and even black holes.

Physics

In Physics, energy is the ability to do work.

Energy

In all sciences though, energy is always a scalar (measurable) physical quantity.

Conservation of Energy

Energy cannot be created nor destroyed. This is called the Conservation of Energy.

To conserve means not to waste, not to throw away. (Energy is never thrown away).

Energy always changes (passes) from one form to another.

Forms of Energy

Kinetic Energy Potential Energy Gravitational Potential Energy Thermal Energy Electrical Energy Chemical Energy Nuclear Energy

Kinetic Energy

Kinetic Energy is energy of motion.

When you are moving you have more kinetic energy.

Potential Energy

Potential energy is energy at rest.

When you are not moving, you have more potential energy.

Gravitational Potential Energy Gravitational potential energy is a

type of potential energy that is caused by how far from the ground the object is.

The higher the object is held from the ground, the more gravitational potential energy the object has.

Thermal Energy

Thermal energy is energy of heat.

You feel thermal energy from the sun, from fires, and from the heater or radiator.

Electrical Energy

Electrical energy is energy that can be passed to machines.

Electricity is electrical energy and is composed (made of) electrons.

Electrical energy is usually measured in watts and kilowatts.

Chemical Energy

Chemical energy is energy stored in food.

When chemical energy is passed, most of the energy is lost.

Nuclear Energy

Nuclear energy is energy that comes from radioactive material.

This energy comes from Nuclear Power plants in fission reactions where they split the atoms apart.

Lightning

Lightning is the electric breakdown of air by strong electric fields, or a plasma.

Lightning causes an energy transfer from the electric field to heat

Lightning causes mechanical energy (the random motion of air molecules caused by the heat), and also light.

Einstein

Einstein’s famous equation

E = MC2

Fission

When atoms are split apart.

Fission happens in Nuclear power plants

Always think of a Dr. Pepper loosing its fizz……the gas comes apart…

Fusion

When atoms are fused together (put together)

Fusion happens in the sun.