- Potential energy is usually defined relative to a reference point (e.g., the ground).
- A ball 1 m above the Earth has gravitational PE relative to the ground.
- Always pay attention to what point the PE is measured from!
You’re reading this on a device that most likely runs on electrical energy—unless you’re a time traveler from 2100 using alien power tech. 😄 Let's explore what forms of energy exist today!
Kinetic energy is the energy of an object due to its motion.
Formula: \( E_k = \frac{1}{2}mv^2 \)
Note: Kinetic energy is always positive since velocity is squared.
Potential energy is stored energy due to an object's position in a force field (like gravity or elasticity).
Examples: Gravitational PE, Elastic PE
Mechanical energy is the total of kinetic and potential energies: \( E_m = E_k + E_p \)
Thermal energy is heat energy—often due to particle motion and collisions in matter.
Nuclear energy is stored in the nuclei of atoms. It’s released during fusion and fission reactions. Fun fact: it’s the energy released in atomic bombs.
This is the energy stored in the bonds between atoms and molecules—released during chemical reactions.
Energy carried by electromagnetic waves such as light, UV, infrared, and X-rays.
Sonic energy is stored in sound waves. It depends on wave properties like amplitude and frequency.
Most objects store multiple forms of energy at the same time. Understanding them helps us understand how the universe functions, from bouncing balls to nuclear stars.
Written by Thenura Dilruk