Types of Energy Cheat Sheet

Definition

Energy of motion. Anything that is moving has kinetic energy.

Example: A rolling ball, a running person, a flying airplane.

Factors Affecting Kinetic Energy

Kinetic energy depends on mass and speed. The greater the mass or speed, the greater the kinetic energy.

Example: A fast car has more kinetic energy than a slow car. A heavy truck has more kinetic energy than a light car (at the same speed).

Formula (simplified)

Kinetic Energy is related to mass and velocity. Higher mass and higher velocity means more kinetic energy.

Example: A baseball thrown by a major league pitcher has more kinetic energy than a baseball thrown by a child.

Definition

Stored energy. Energy that has the potential to do work.

Example: A stretched rubber band, a book on a shelf, water behind a dam.

Types of Potential Energy

Gravitational (height), Elastic (stretch/compression), Chemical (bonds between atoms).

Example: A ball held high in the air has gravitational potential energy. A compressed spring has elastic potential energy. Gasoline has chemical potential energy.

Gravitational Potential Energy

Potential energy due to an object's height above the ground.

Example: A roller coaster at the top of a hill has a lot of gravitational potential energy.

Elastic Potential Energy

Potential energy stored in objects that are stretched or compressed.

Example: A stretched rubber band or a compressed spring.

Thermal Energy

Energy of heat. The faster the particles in a substance move, the more thermal energy it has.

Example: A hot cup of coffee, a burning fire.

Electrical Energy

Energy of moving electrons.

Example: Lightning, electricity flowing through wires.

Light Energy (Radiant Energy)

Energy of electromagnetic radiation that we can see.

Example: Sunlight, light from a lamp.

Sound Energy

Energy of vibrations that travel through a medium.

Example: Music, a loud bang.

Nuclear Energy

Energy stored in the nucleus of an atom.

Example: Nuclear power plants, the sun.