Forms of Energy

Front

What is mechanical energy?

Back

Mechanical energy is the energy that an object has due to its motion (kinetic energy) or its position (potential energy). For example, a rolling ball has mechanical energy.

Front

What happens to light when it strikes a mirror?

Back

When light strikes a mirror, it reflects off the mirror.

Front

What types of energy does the sun provide?

Back

The sun provides light energy and thermal (heat) energy.

Front

What is kinetic energy?

Back

Kinetic energy is the energy an object has due to its motion. For example, a moving car has kinetic energy.

Front

What is potential energy?

Back

Potential energy is the energy stored in an object due to its position or state. For example, a ball held at a height has potential energy.

Front

What is sound energy?

Back

Sound energy is the energy produced by vibrating objects, which creates sound waves that travel through the air.

Front

What is thermal energy?

Back

Thermal energy is the energy that comes from the temperature of matter. The hotter the substance, the more thermal energy it has.

Front

What is light energy?

Back

Light energy is the energy that is visible to the human eye and is produced by the vibrations of electrically charged particles.

Front

How does energy transfer occur when kicking a ball?

Back

When a football player kicks a ball, he transfers energy to the ball, causing it to gain kinetic energy and move.

Front

What happens to the pitch of a sound when vibrations happen faster?

Back

When vibrations happen faster, the pitch of the sound changes from low to high.