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The Science of Energy

Introduction to Energy

Energy

Energy is the ability to do work or cause change. It is everywhere around us and is essential for life. Energy comes in different forms, such as:

  • Kinetic
  • Potential
  • Thermal
  • Electrical
  • Chemical
  • Nuclear

Kinetic energy is the energy of motion, while potential energy is stored energy that can be transformed into kinetic energy. Thermal energy is the energy of heat, while electrical energy is the energy of electric charge. Chemical energy is stored in the bonds of molecules, while nuclear energy is stored in the nucleus of an atom.

Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another. This is known as the law of conservation of energy. For example, when a roller coaster is at the top of a hill, it has potential energy. As it moves down the hill, it gains kinetic energy, which is then transformed into thermal energy due to friction with the track.

Importance

Understanding energy is important because it is required for almost everything we do, from turning on a light to launching a rocket into space. The study of energy involves many different fields, including physics, chemistry, and engineering.

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Forms of Energy

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