Energy - Definition
Energy is the capacity to do work or cause change. It can exist in many different forms, such as:
Kinetic Energy – The energy of motion. Anything that moves has kinetic energy.
Potential Energy – Stored energy based on an object’s position or condition, like a rock at the edge of a cliff or a stretched spring.
Thermal Energy – Energy that comes from heat. The faster the particles in a substance move, the more thermal energy it has.
Chemical Energy – Energy stored in the bonds of molecules. This is the energy released or absorbed during chemical reactions, like when we burn fuel or digest food.
Electrical Energy – The energy of moving electrons, like in the electricity that powers your devices.
Nuclear Energy – The energy stored in the nucleus of an atom. It's released during nuclear reactions, like fission or fusion.
Energy can be transformed from one type to another, but it can't be created or destroyed—this is known as the law of conservation of energy. In simple terms, energy makes things happen, whether it's moving objects, heating things up, or powering machines.
How is heat different from temperature?
What happens to the particles of a substance when it is heated?