Forms of Energy
Energy exists in many forms including light, heat, sound, electrical, and kinetic energy, and it can be transferred and transformed in everyday situations.
What You Need to Know
Key Concept Diagram
Energy is the ability to do work or cause change — it cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred
Light energy travels in waves and allows us to see; it comes from the sun, fire, and light bulbs
Sound energy is produced by vibrations and travels through air, water, and solids
Electrical energy is carried by moving electrons and powers household appliances and devices
Key Vocabulary
Energy
The ability to do work or cause change in an object or system
Kinetic energy
The energy of motion — any moving object has kinetic energy
Potential energy
Stored energy based on position or condition (e.g. a stretched elastic band, a raised object)
Energy transformation
A change from one form of energy to another (e.g. electrical energy → light energy in a torch)
Knowledge Check
Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.
Question 1
When a drum is hit, what form of energy is produced?
Question 2
A ball held at the top of a ramp has which type of energy?
Question 3
In a torch, electrical energy is transformed into:
Key Concepts Summary
- ●Energy is the ability to do work or cause change — it cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred
- ●Light energy travels in waves and allows us to see; it comes from the sun, fire, and light bulbs
- ●Sound energy is produced by vibrations and travels through air, water, and solids
- ●Electrical energy is carried by moving electrons and powers household appliances and devices