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There are many
types of energy. Often people will start with one type of energy
and then change it into other, more usable, types.
 Chemical
Chemical energy is stored in the bonds of molecules. This
is a form of potential energy until the bonds are broken. Fossil
fuels and biomass store chemical energy. Products that contain chemical
energy include: TNT, baking soda, and a match.
Electrical
 The
movement of electrically charged particles produces electrical energy.
Lightning, and static electricity are examples of electrical energy
that occur naturally. (Static electricity is what you see when your
clothes stick together.) Science hasn't found a way to use natural
forms of electrical energy, like lightning. Instead, we use different
energy sources to create electrical energy by using generators and
turbines.
Gravitational
 Gravitational
energy is the attraction between two objects. The moon in its orbit
around the earth, the earth in its orbit around the sun, the ocean's
tides, your ability to stay on the ground instead of floating into
the atmosphere are all examples of gravitational energy. Research
is going on in this field. Waves may be harnessed in the future
to provide electrical energy.
Heat
 Heat
energy is created in the movement of atoms. Boiling water, burning
wood, and rubbing your hands together really fast are all examples
of heat energy. Geothermal, and passive solar are sources of heat
energy, but biomass (a type of chemical energy) can be burned to
produce heat energy.
Light
 Light
energy is the movement of photons. (The light specturm of electromagnetic
waves shows light energy.) All life on earth is dependent on light
energy from the sun. Examples of light energy include radio waves
(AM, FM, TV), microwaves, X-rays, and plant growth. Active solar
energy uses photovoltaic panels and light to turn light energy into
chemical energy.
Magnetic
Magnetic energy is the attraction of objects made of iron. Medical
equipment (MRI scanning), compass, refrigerator magnets are all
examples of magnetic energy. Any type of energy source that uses
a generator in the process to make electricity uses magnetic energy.
Mechanical
 Mechanical
energy is the movement of machine parts. Wind-up toys, grandfather
clocks, and pogo sticks are examples of mechanical energy. Wind
power uses mechanical energy to help create electricity.
Nuclear
 Nuclear
energy is the energy stored within atoms. Nuclear energy is unusual
in that it can give off energy in the form of light or heat, but
it is the change in the atom's makeup that produces the energy.
Submarines, power plants, and smoke detectors all use nuclear energy.
Nuclear power plants use uranium, a radioactive element, to create
electricity.
Sound
 Sound
energy is the movement molecules in the air that produces vibrations.
Alarms, music, speech, ultrasound medical equipment all use sound
energy. VCR tapes change sound energy into electrical energy. The
electrical energy records the sound using magnetic tape. Speakers
read the magnetic tape and change it back into sound.
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