Energy: meaning, types and example

Energy comes in a variety of forms. Examples include light energy, mechanical energy, electrical energy, chemical energy, atomic energy, heat energy, gravitational energy, sound energy, nuclear energy and so on. Every form may be transformed or altered into others.

The potential of a given system to accomplish work is known to be the definition for energy. Nevertheless, it’s vital to remember that the mere existence of energy does not imply its readiness to accomplish work.

Motion is linked to all sources of energy. Every moving body, for instance, possesses kinetic energy. Even when idle, a tensioned object, like a spring or bow, has the capacity for movement; its framework incorporates potential energy. Nuclear energy is also potential energy since it is produced by the arrangement of subatomic particles inside an atom’s nucleus.

What is Conservation of Energy?

Energy cannot be generated or destroyed; it could only be transformed from one state to the other. The very first law of thermodynamics is regarded as the principle of energy conservation. If a container rolls down a slope, for instance, the potential energy possessed by the box from being high off the ground on the hill is transformed to kinetic energy. As the container comes to a halt caused by friction, all the kinetic energy of its motion is transferred into thermal energy, which heats the container and the hill.

In addition, energy may be transferred from one single form to the other in a range of methods. Several types of technologies, such as heat engines, batteries, magnetohydrodynamic devices, generators, and fuel cells generate consumable electrical or mechanical energy. Energy is calculated in joules in the International System of Units (SI). One joule is known to be the amount of work accomplished by one newton force operating over a metre distance.

Different Types of Energy

Mechanical Energy – 

Mechanical energy is known to be the energy released as a result of a material’s motion or position. Mechanical energy is equivalent to the total potential energy and kinetic energy.

Example – An item with mechanical energy possesses both potential energy as well as kinetic energy, albeit one of the types might be equivalent to zero. Kinetic energy exists in a moving vehicle. When one drives a vehicle up a hill, it possesses both kinetic as well as potential energy. 

Nuclear Energy – 

Nuclear energy is defined as energy derived from atomic nuclei modifications or nuclear processes.

Example – Nuclear energy is represented through nuclear fission, fusion, as well as nuclear decay. Nuclear power and otherwise atomic explosion are two particular examples that come under this form of energy.

Electromagnetic Energy – 

Electromagnetic energy (also known as radiant energy) can be expressed as the definition for energy emitted by electromagnetic or light waves.

Example – Electromagnetic energy exists in all forms of light, including areas of the spectrum that humans cannot perceive. Electromagnetic energy includes radio waves, x-rays, ultraviolet light, gamma rays, and microwaves.

Gravitational Energy –

Gravitational energy is the attractional force between two things dependent on their mass. It is usually used to calculate mechanical energy, like the potential energy of something like a shelf-placed object.

Example – The atmosphere is held to the Earth with the help of gravitational energy.

Potential Energy – 

Potential energy is considered to be the energy possessed due to the position of an object.

Example – Tossing a ball up in the air. Just as it reaches the maximum height, the potential energy is highest. When the ball goes up or down, it contains both kinetic and potential energy.

Kinetic Energy – 

Kinetic energy is considered to be the energy that a body expends when in motion. It has a value ranging from 0 to any positive number.

Example – A kid swaying on a swing is an illustration of this. The kinetic energy value is never negative regardless of whether the movement is backward or forward.

Sonic Energy – 

The energy emitted by sound waves is referred to as sonic energy. Sound waves propagate across the medium of air mainly, or another.

Example – A sonic explosion, a tune on the radio, or a person’s voice.

Chemical Energy – 

Chemical energy is generated by atoms and molecules reacting with one another. Chemical energy is classified into several categories, including chemiluminescence and electrochemical energy.

Example – Electrochemical cells or batteries are great examples that fall under chemical energy.

Thermal Energy – 

Thermal energy, often known as heat energy, is the variation in temperature across two systems.

Example – Thermal energy may be found in a hot cup of beverage. In relation to your surroundings, you create heat and as a result, possess thermal energy.

Ionisation Energy – 

Ionisation energy is a type of energy which attracts electrons closer to the atomic nucleus, molecule or ion.

Example – An atom’s initial ionisation energy is the amount of energy required to entirely discharge one electron. The energy necessary to release a subsequent electron is larger than the energy needed to eliminate the very first electron.

Conclusion

Energy is critical in modern society. It is a key input to every sector (for example, transportation, residential and manufacturing) and is required to create power. To put it another way, all civilizations consume energy services to support fundamental human requirements like heating, lighting and movement.

Every sort of movement is propelled by energy. Walking, jogging and bicycling all rely on chemical energy, which is produced from the things we consume, to power our bodies and keep us going. Trains run on electricity or a mix of chemical and thermal energy derived from the fossil fuels.