30.2 Types of energy There are many types of energy. All types of energy fall into two main groups: kinetic energy and potential energy.
Kinetic energy: the energy of movement 1. Motion energy is the energy of a moving object, e.g. a moving car.
2. Heat energy causes particles to vibrate. We feel this as a change in temperature, for example when water is heated its temperature will rise; when it cools its temperature will fall.
3. Electrical energy: Electricity is the movement of electrons. It is used in electrical appliances.
4. Sound energy is the energy produced by vibrating objects, for example strumming a guitar.
5. Light energy: Light is a form of electromagnetic radiation, for example the light emitted from the sun or a light bulb.
Potential energy: stored energy
6. Gravitational potential energy is the energy stored in raised objects, for example a rollercoaster at the top of a hill.
7. Elastic potential energy is the energy in stretched or squashed objects, for example a stretched bow.
8. Chemical energy is energy that is stored in the bonds of molecules, for example food, fossil fuels and batteries.
9. Nuclear energy is the energy stored in the nucleus of an atom. It is a very powerful form of energy.
