Energy is the ability to do work and make things move. Energy exists in many different forms, including:
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Potential Energy: This is energy that is stored and has the potential to do work. Forms of potential energy include chemical, gravitational, mechanical, and nuclear energy.
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Kinetic Energy: This is energy in motion. Forms of kinetic energy include electrical energy, heat, light, and sound.
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Electrical Energy: This is energy associated with the tiny units called atoms that make up everything in the universe. Particles called electrons may move from one atom to another, storing or releasing energy.
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Heat and Light Energy: These are also forms of energy.
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Renewable and Non-Renewable Energy: Energy sources can be classified as either renewable or non-renewable. Renewable energy sources include solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, while non-renewable sources include fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas.
When we say that energy is being "used" to power something, we do not mean that energy is being used up. Instead, the energy is being transformed from one form to another. For example, when people eat, their bodies change the chemical energy of food into heat energy and mechanical energy to move their muscles.
