Download Forms of Energy Research Energy Form Description Examples and

Forms of Energy Research
As you have studied potential and kinetic energy, you have realized that energy cannot be created or
destroyed. Instead, energy transfers from one form to another. You are already familiar with mechanical
energy, (the energy of motion), but what about when objects are not in motion? What are the other forms
that energy takes?
Problem: What are different forms of energy?
How does energy transfer from one form to another?
Your Task: Use Internet resources to research each form of energy.
Energy Form
Mechanical
Energy
Thermal
Energy
Electrical
Energy
Light
Energy
(Electromagnetic
Waves)
Chemical
Energy
Description
The sum of an object’s
kinetic (moving)energy
and potential (stored)
energy.
Examples and/or Sources
of Energy
A pendulum traveling
back and forth has
mechanical energy.
Source of
Information
www.softschools.co
m/
facts/energy/mech
anical_
energy_facts/396
Analysis:
Identify each as mechanical, thermal, electrical, light, or chemical energy.
1. Batteries _______________ 2. A ball rolling down a hill _____________
3. The sun _______________ 4. Lightning ______________________
5. X-rays _________________ 6. Food _________________________
7. Gasoline _______________
For #8-12, Tell how energy converts from one form to another in the following sentences.
Ex: The sun shines on plants, causing photosynthesis.
Light energy turns into chemical energy.
8. Plants grow, and are eaten to give energy to humans.
__________________________________________________
9. A human takes the energy from food, and uses it to pedal and move his bicycle.
___________________________________________________
10. To slow down a bicycle, brakes are applied, causing friction and heat.
___________________________________________________
11. Coal is burned in a power plant.
____________________________________________________
Extension: Use the Internet to research the following questions:
1. What is a primary energy source? _____________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
Where did you find your information? _______________________________
2. What is a secondary energy source? ___________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
Where did you find your information? _______________________________
3. List some primary source examples:
4. List some secondary source examples:
5. What does it mean to say that electricity is a secondary energy source?s
6. What is the difference between renewable and nonrenewable resources?
7. Give some examples of renewable and nonrenewable resources.