Energy Forms and Changes

ENERGY

and its many forms

Begin

This interactive features PhET's "Energy Forms and Changes" simulation.

Visit www.VirtualScienceTeachers.com for more interactives!

Virtual Science Teachers

ENERGY

and its many forms

Begin

This interactive features PhET's "Energy Forms and Changes" simulation.

Energy is the ability to do work. It's what is needed for things to move and change.

Select the original source of almost all energy used on Earth.

That's right! Almost all the energy used on Earth, including the forms of energy shown below, came from the sun. Scroll over the cards below to learn about some of the different forms of energy.

Images by PhET Interactive Simulations, University of Colorado Boulder, licensed under CC-BY-4.0 (https://phet.colorado.edu).

Light Energy

Electromagnetic radiation; Energy that travels as an electromagnetic wave

Thermal Energy

The fire heats up the water

Light Energy

light energy released from light bulb

Electrical Energy

electrical charge flowing through a wire

Chemical Energy

food (stored chemical energy) needed for cyclist to keep pedaling

Chemical Energy

Mechancial Energy

Pouring water, spinning wheel

Thermal Energy

Mechanical Energy

Electrical Energy

The energy of an object due to its motion (kinetic energy) and position (potential energy)

-The energy contained within a system that is responsible for its temperature -Heat is the flow of thermal energy.

The energy that is released or absorbed during chemical reactions such as when fuel burns or the body breaks down food in its cells

A form of energy that results from the flow of electric charge

How many forms can energy take?

many

two

three

Yes! Energy can take many forms. We will focus on the 5 energy forms shown below for this interactive.

Images by PhET Interactive Simulations, University of Colorado Boulder, licensed under CC-BY-4.0 (https://phet.colorado.edu).

Light Energy

Electromagnetic radiation; Energy that travels as an electromagnetic wave

Mechancial Energy

Pouring water, spinning wheel

Light Energy

light energy released from light bulb

Thermal Energy

The fire heats up the water

Chemical Energy

food (stored chemical energy) needed for cyclist to keep pedaling

Electrical Energy

electrical charge flowing through a wire

Chemical Energy

Thermal Energy

Mechanical Energy

Electrical Energy

The energy of an object due to its motion (kinetic energy) and position (potential energy)

-The energy contained within a system that is responsible for its temperature -Heat is the flow of thermal energy.

The energy that is released or absorbed during chemical reactions such as when fuel burns or the body breaks down food in its cells

A form of energy that results from the flow of electric charge

Electrical

Chemical

Mechanical

Light

Thermal

What type of energy does an object have because of its motion and position?

That's correct! Mechanical energy is the energy concerning motion and position.

Images by PhET Interactive Simulations, University of Colorado Boulder, licensed under CC-BY-4.0 (https://phet.colorado.edu).

Light Energy

Electromagnetic radiation; Energy that travels as an electromagnetic wave

Mechancial Energy

Pouring water, spinning wheel

Light Energy

light energy released from light bulb

Thermal Energy

The fire heats up the water

Chemical Energy

food (stored chemical energy) needed for cyclist to keep pedaling

Electrical Energy

electrical charge flowing through a wire

Chemical Energy

Thermal Energy

Mechanical Energy

Electrical Energy

The energy of an object due to its motion (kinetic energy) and position (potential energy)

-The energy contained within a system that is responsible for its temperature -Heat is the flow of thermal energy.

The energy that is released or absorbed during chemical reactions such as when fuel burns or the body breaks down food in its cells

A form of energy that results from the flow of electric charge

What kind of energy is released or absorbed during chemical reactions?

Electrical

Chemical

Mechanical

Light

Thermal

You got it! Chemical energy is released or absorbed during chemical reactions.

Images by PhET Interactive Simulations, University of Colorado Boulder, licensed under CC-BY-4.0 (https://phet.colorado.edu).

Light Energy

Electromagnetic radiation; Energy that travels as an electromagnetic wave

Mechancial Energy

Pouring water, spinning wheel

Light Energy

light energy released from light bulb

Thermal Energy

The fire heats up the water

Chemical Energy

food (stored chemical energy) needed for cyclist to keep pedaling

Electrical Energy

electrical charge flowing through a wire

Chemical Energy

Thermal Energy

Mechanical Energy

Electrical Energy

The energy of an object due to its motion (kinetic energy) and position (potential energy)

-The energy contained within a system that is responsible for its temperature -Heat is the flow of thermal energy.

The energy that is released or absorbed during chemical reactions such as when fuel burns or the body breaks down food in its cells

A form of energy that results from the flow of electric charge

What form of energy occurs as a result of the flow of electrons?

Electrical

Chemical

Mechanical

Light

Thermal

That's correct! Electrical energy occurs as a result of flowing charges.

Images by PhET Interactive Simulations, University of Colorado Boulder, licensed under CC-BY-4.0 (https://phet.colorado.edu).

Light Energy

Electromagnetic radiation; Energy that travels as an electromagnetic wave

Mechancial Energy

Pouring water, spinning wheel

Light Energy

light energy released from light bulb

Thermal Energy

The fire heats up the water

Chemical Energy

food (stored chemical energy) needed for cyclist to keep pedaling

Electrical Energy

electrical charge flowing through a wire

Chemical Energy

Thermal Energy

Mechanical Energy

Electrical Energy

The energy of an object due to its motion (kinetic energy) and position (potential energy)

-The energy contained within a system that is responsible for its temperature -Heat is the flow of thermal energy.

The energy that is released or absorbed during chemical reactions such as when fuel burns or the body breaks down food in its cells

A form of energy that results from the flow of electric charge

Heat is the flow of what kind of energy?

electrical

chemical

mechanical

light

thermal

You got it! Heat is the flow of thermal energy.

Images by PhET Interactive Simulations, University of Colorado Boulder, licensed under CC-BY-4.0 (https://phet.colorado.edu).

Light Energy

Electromagnetic radiation; Energy that travels as an electromagnetic wave

Mechancial Energy

Pouring water, spinning wheel

Light Energy

light energy released from light bulb

Thermal Energy

The fire heats up the water

Chemical Energy

food (stored chemical energy) needed for cyclist to keep pedaling

Electrical Energy

electrical charge flowing through a wire

Chemical Energy

Thermal Energy

Mechanical Energy

Electrical Energy

The energy of an object due to its motion (kinetic energy) and position (potential energy)

-The energy contained within a system that is responsible for its temperature -Heat is the flow of thermal energy.

The energy that is released or absorbed during chemical reactions such as when fuel burns or the body breaks down food in its cells

A form of energy that results from the flow of electric charge

What form of energy travels as an electromagnetic wave?

Electrical

Chemical

Mechanical

Light

Thermal

Yes! Light energy travels as an electromagnetic wave.

Images by PhET Interactive Simulations, University of Colorado Boulder, licensed under CC-BY-4.0 (https://phet.colorado.edu).

Light Energy

Electromagnetic radiation; Energy that travels as an electromagnetic wave

Mechancial Energy

Pouring water, spinning wheel

Light Energy

light energy released from light bulb

Thermal Energy

The fire heats up the water

Chemical Energy

food (stored chemical energy) needed for cyclist to keep pedaling

Electrical Energy

electrical charge flowing through a wire

Chemical Energy

Thermal Energy

Mechanical Energy

Electrical Energy

The energy of an object due to its motion (kinetic energy) and position (potential energy)

-The energy contained within a system that is responsible for its temperature -Heat is the flow of thermal energy.

The energy that is released or absorbed during chemical reactions such as when fuel burns or the body breaks down food in its cells

A form of energy that results from the flow of electric charge

Which is NOT an example of light energy?

Light from the Sun

Light from a Light Bulb

hot gases rise from a volcano

x-rays

cell phonesignals

Correct! Hot gases rising from a volcano is an example of thermal energy (the energy that makes the gas particles hot) and mechanical energy (the rising motion of the gas particles).

Images by PhET Interactive Simulations, University of Colorado Boulder, licensed under CC-BY-4.0 (https://phet.colorado.edu).

Light Energy

Electromagnetic radiation; Energy that travels as an electromagnetic wave

Mechancial Energy

Pouring water, spinning wheel

Light Energy

light energy released from light bulb

Thermal Energy

The fire heats up the water

Chemical Energy

food (stored chemical energy) needed for cyclist to keep pedaling

Electrical Energy

electrical charge flowing through a wire

Chemical Energy

Thermal Energy

Mechanical Energy

Electrical Energy

The energy of an object due to its motion (kinetic energy) and position (potential energy)

-The energy contained within a system that is responsible for its temperature -Heat is the flow of thermal energy.

The energy that is released or absorbed during chemical reactions such as when fuel burns or the body breaks down food in its cells

A form of energy that results from the flow of electric charge

Which is NOT an example of mechanical energy?

light from a light bulb

a moving car

falling water

earthquake

a ball thrownin the air

You got it! Light from a light bulb is an example of light energy.

Images by PhET Interactive Simulations, University of Colorado Boulder, licensed under CC-BY-4.0 (https://phet.colorado.edu).

Light Energy

Electromagnetic radiation; Energy that travels as an electromagnetic wave

Mechancial Energy

Pouring water, spinning wheel

Light Energy

light energy released from light bulb

Thermal Energy

The fire heats up the water

Chemical Energy

food (stored chemical energy) needed for cyclist to keep pedaling

Electrical Energy

electrical charge flowing through a wire

Chemical Energy

Thermal Energy

Mechanical Energy

Electrical Energy

The energy of an object due to its motion (kinetic energy) and position (potential energy)

-The energy contained within a system that is responsible for its temperature -Heat is the flow of thermal energy.

The energy that is released or absorbed during chemical reactions such as when fuel burns or the body breaks down food in its cells

A form of energy that results from the flow of electric charge

Which is NOT an example of thermal energy?

the energy required to melt ice cream

the gases being heated in a hot air balloon

the energy needed to bake pizza

the warmth you feel from a fire

the light you see from a fire

Correct! A fire gives off both thermal and light energy. The light you see from a fire is an electromagnetic wave (light energy).

Images by PhET Interactive Simulations, University of Colorado Boulder, licensed under CC-BY-4.0 (https://phet.colorado.edu).

Light Energy

Electromagnetic radiation; Energy that travels as an electromagnetic wave

Mechancial Energy

Pouring water, spinning wheel

Light Energy

light energy released from light bulb

Thermal Energy

The fire heats up the water

Chemical Energy

food (stored chemical energy) needed for cyclist to keep pedaling

Electrical Energy

electrical charge flowing through a wire

Chemical Energy

Thermal Energy

Mechanical Energy

Electrical Energy

The energy of an object due to its motion (kinetic energy) and position (potential energy)

-The energy contained within a system that is responsible for its temperature -Heat is the flow of thermal energy.

The energy that is released or absorbed during chemical reactions such as when fuel burns or the body breaks down food in its cells

A form of energy that results from the flow of electric charge

Which is NOT an example of electrical energy?

lightning

getting a zap of static electricity

the energy of a waterfall

the electricity powering your device

the energy usedto charge electric cars

That's correct! A waterfall is an example of mechanical energy.

Images by PhET Interactive Simulations, University of Colorado Boulder, licensed under CC-BY-4.0 (https://phet.colorado.edu).

Light Energy

Electromagnetic radiation; Energy that travels as an electromagnetic wave

Mechancial Energy

Pouring water, spinning wheel

Light Energy

light energy released from light bulb

Thermal Energy

The fire heats up the water

Chemical Energy

food (stored chemical energy) needed for cyclist to keep pedaling

Electrical Energy

electrical charge flowing through a wire

Chemical Energy

Thermal Energy

Mechanical Energy

Electrical Energy

The energy of an object due to its motion (kinetic energy) and position (potential energy)

-The energy contained within a system that is responsible for its temperature -Heat is the flow of thermal energy.

The energy that is released or absorbed during chemical reactions such as when fuel burns or the body breaks down food in its cells

A form of energy that results from the flow of electric charge

Which is NOT an example of stored chemical energy being released?

wood burns

gasolineburns in an engine

a caterpillar uses food energy to move and grow

a chemical reaction inside a battery powers a flashlight

ice melts into a puddle of water

Great work on thinking about 5 of the many forms of energy!

Now it's time to explore how energy changes from one form to another!

To continue, select a machine that uses the wind's mechanical energy to generate electrical energy.

Simulation by PhET Interactive Simulations, University of Colorado Boulder, licensed under CC-BY-4.0 (https://phet.colorado.edu).

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Visit www.VirtualScienceTeachers.com for more interactives!

Virtual Science Teachers

Click on the balloon only when you know the code.

Simulation by PhET Interactive Simulations, University of Colorado Boulder, licensed under CC-BY-4.0 (https://phet.colorado.edu).

Click here if activity does not load properly.

Visit www.VirtualScienceTeachers.com for more interactives!

Virtual Science Teachers

Click on the balloon only when you know the code.

Enter the 3 digit code below.

Now let's focus on how energy can change from one form to another. Scroll over the images to see how energy changes forms in nature.

Great work in learning about 5 forms of energy!

The elephant gets the energy it needs to live and move from eating the plant, which gets its energy from the sun.

The very hot core of the Earth heats magma. The hot magma rises and sometimes causes volcanoes.

Plants use energy from the sun to make food.

Sunlight energy heats the Earth's atmosphere and water unevenly. Warm air and water move to where it is cooler, causing wind, currents, and other weather.

Sunlight energy heats water and causes it to evaporate. The water cools and falls as rain or snow and can contribute to powerful waterfalls.

The seagull eats fish for energy. The fish eats plants for energy. The plants get their energy from the sun.

Click on the image that shows energy that did NOT originate from the sun, but rather from deep inside the very hot core of the Earth.

That's right. Volcanoes get their energy from deep within the Earth.

The elephant gets the energy it needs to live and move from eating the plant, which gets its energy from the sun.

The very hot core of the Earth heats magma. The hot magma rises and sometimes causes volcanoes.

Plants use energy from the sun to make food.

Sunlight energy heats the Earth's atmosphere and water unevenly. Warm air and water move to where it is cooler, causing wind, currents, and other weather.

Sunlight energy heats water and causes it to evaporate. The water cools and falls as rain or snow and can contribute to powerful waterfalls.

The seagull eats fish for energy. The fish eats plants for energy. The plants get their energy from the sun.

Click on the image that shows a result of the sun heating the Earth unevenly.

Yes, wind and other weather is caused by the uneven heating of the Earth.

The elephant gets the energy it needs to live and move from eating the plant, which gets its energy from the sun.

The very hot core of the Earth heats magma. The hot magma rises and sometimes causes volcanoes.

Plants use energy from the sun to make food.

Sunlight energy heats the Earth's atmosphere and water unevenly. Warm air and water move to where it is cooler, causing wind, currents, and other weather.

Sunlight energy heats water and causes it to evaporate. The water cools and falls as rain or snow and can contribute to powerful waterfalls.

The seagull eats fish for energy. The fish eats plants for energy. The plants get their energy from the sun.

Click on the image that features an organism that uses sunlight energy to make food.

Correct, trees use the energy from the sun to make their own food energy.

The elephant gets the energy it needs to live and move from eating the plant, which gets its energy from the sun.

The very hot core of the Earth heats magma. The hot magma rises and sometimes causes volcanoes.

Plants use energy from the sun to make food.

Sunlight energy heats the Earth's atmosphere and water unevenly. Warm air and water move to where it is cooler, causing wind, currents, and other weather.

Sunlight energy heats water and causes it to evaporate. The water cools and falls as rain or snow and can contribute to powerful waterfalls.

The seagull eats fish for energy. The fish eats plants for energy. The plants get their energy from the sun.

And finally, click on one of the images that shows organisms that use the food energy that plants make using energy from the sun.

Yes! Humans have figured out many ways (burning fossil fuels, wind turbines, solar panels, etc.) to transform energy into forms that are useful and sometimes fun!

What is the original source of all the electricity, motion, and light in the image above?

The Power Station

The Sun

Magnets

That's correct, the energy was in the form of sunlight a long time ago and has been transformed into many different forms before being used for electricity, light, and motion at this amusement park.

Let's explore some of the many forms that energy can transform into and then we'll explore HOW they transform.

Click on something that is releasing light energy in this image to continue.

Energy is the ability to do work. Another way to say this is energy is how things change and move.

Match the terms (orange dots) to the correct definitions (blue dots). Click on the blue checkbox and follow provided directions.

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Click on the "tape" to separate cards.

Energy is the ability to do work. Another way to say this is energy is how things change and move.

Match the terms (orange dots) to the correct definitions (blue dots). Click on the blue checkbox and follow provided directions.

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Click on the "tape" to separate cards.

Energy is the ability to do work. Another way to say this is energy is how things change and move.

Sort each energy type into the correct category. Click on the blue checkbox to get the code word.

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Sort each energy type into the correct category. Click on the blue checkbox and follow the provided directions.

Energy is the ability to do work. Another way to say this is energy is how things change and move.

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Sort each energy type into the correct category. Click on the blue checkbox and follow the provided directions.

Enter the 5 digit code below.

Mechanical, electrical, thermal, light, chemical.

Plants require energy to live and grow.

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Click on each box below and select the best word complete the paragraph. Then, click on the blue checkbox and follow the provided directions.

Mechanical, electrical, thermal, light, chemical.

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Animals require energy live, grow, stay warm, and move.

Click on each box below and select the best word complete the paragraph. Then, click on the blue checkbox and follow the provided directions.

Mechanical, electrical, thermal, light, chemical.

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Animals require energy live, grow, stay warm, and move.

Click on each box below and select the best word complete the paragraph. Then, click on the blue checkbox and follow the provided directions.

Mechanical, electrical, thermal, light, chemical.

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Energy can be used to move objects....even really BIG objects!

Click on each box below and select the best word complete the paragraph. Then, click on the blue checkbox and follow the provided directions.

Mechanical, electrical, thermal, light, chemical.

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Energy can be used to move objects....even really BIG objects!

Click on each box below and select the best word complete the paragraph. Then, click on the blue checkbox and follow the provided directions.

Mechanical, electrical, thermal, light, chemical.

FOSSIL FUELS

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MOST of the energy we use to power vehicles, appliances, factories, etc. originates from fossil fuels.

Plankton like that from hundreds of million years ago

Fossil fuels are mostly made from organisms, such as plankton and land plants, that died and were buried deep within Earth's crust hundreds of millions of years ago.

MOST of the energy we use to power vehicles, appliances, factories, etc. originates from fossil fuels.

Mechanical, electrical, thermal, light, chemical.

FOSSIL FUELS

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Fossil fuels are mostly made from organisms, such as plankton and land plants, that died and were buried deep within Earth's crust hundreds of millions of years ago.

Plankton like that from hundreds of million years ago

True or False: Fossils fuels, such as gasoline, are made from organisms that used to be alive.

True

False

MOST of the energy we use to power vehicles, appliances, factories, etc. originates from fossil fuels.

Mechanical, electrical, thermal, light, chemical.

FOSSIL FUELS

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The dead organisms had a lot of carbon and hydrogen in them that eventually, with a lot of time, pressure and heat, became hydrocarbons in the form of oil, gas, or coal.

Lots of time, pressure, and heat

Plankton like that from hundreds of million years ago

True or False: It takes about 100 years for dead organisms to become oil, gas, or coal.

True

False

MOST of the energy we use to power vehicles, appliances, factories, etc. originates from fossil fuels.

Mechanical, electrical, thermal, light, chemical.

FOSSIL FUELS

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Humans drill into the earth and extract hydrocarbons so they can be refined into different kinds fuels.

Lots of time, pressure, and heat

Oil is refined and transported

Plankton like that from hundreds of million years ago

Offshore Drilling Rig

Click on the oil in the diagram that is being drilled by humans.

MOST of the energy we use to power vehicles, appliances, factories, etc. originates from fossil fuels.

Mechanical, electrical, thermal, light, chemical.

FOSSIL FUELS

When humans burn fossil fuels, the stored chemical energy in the hydrocarbon moleculesis converted into thermal energy that can be used to power engines.

Oil is refined and transported

Lots of time, pressure, and heat

Plankton like that from hundreds of million years ago

Offshore Drilling Rig

Gasoline is burned in cars.

Burning fossil fuels transforms ______ into ______.

light energy, magnetic energy

stored chemical energy, thermal energy

electrical energy, nuclear energy

Mechanical, electrical, thermal, light, chemical.

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Mechanical, electrical, thermal, light, chemical.

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hydroelectric dam

Generating electricity using a turbine: Dams, Wind, Nuclear

Mechanical, electrical, thermal, light, chemical.

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Solar panels

Mechanical, electrical, thermal, light, chemical.

Click on the numbers in the crossword and fill in with the correct terms. Click on the blue checkbox to get the code word

Scroll over this box to see the word list.

Word List Chemical Electrical FossilHydroelectricmechanicalSolar Thermal Wind work

hydroelectric dam

solar panels

wind turbines