Forms of Energy
What is light energy? Name an example.
It is produced by the sun. Can be natural or artificial.
Examples: the Sun, fire, candles, light bulbs, etc.
What energy transformation happens in a toaster?
A toaster transforms electrical energy into thermal energy to heat the bread.
What is biomass?
It is a way to make energy from trees, dead plants, and rubbish.
What´s the risk of using nuclear power/uranium?
Radioactive waste can be dangerous when released into the environment, and can cause cancer in humans.
What is thermal energy? What is another name for it?
It is the result of movement of tiny particles within an object. The faster they move, the more heat is generated. Another name is heat.
What energy transformation happens when wood burns?
The wood´s chemical energy is transformed into light and thermal energy.
How do we make energy from the wind?
There are turbines/windmills that produce mechanical energy when they move. This is then changed into electrical energy.
What problem can happen with burning fossil fuels (such as coal)?
It contributes to global warming and causes air pollution. The pollution from power plants and factories rises into the atmosphere and falls as acid rain.
What is chemical energy? Where can we find it (example)?
It is stored energy which is released when a chemical reaction happens. Chemicals are broken down to produce a new type of energy.
Examples: Food, batteries.
What energy transformation happens when you jump into a swimming pool?
Potential energy is transformed into kinetic energy because of the pull of gravity.
What is geothermal energy? Where does it come from?
The core of the Earth is very hot and some of that heat escapes to the surface.
What problem can happen with oil?
Oil is easy to transport, but it can spill into the ocean/seas if the ships/boats have an accident. This can harm many sea animals and plants.
What´s the process of sound energy (how is it made)? Also name an example.
It is energy made by vibrations. When an object vibrates, air particles around it vibrate too. This causes sound waves that we can hear when they reach our ears.
Free examples.
What energy transformation happens with solar panels?
Light energy from the sun is changed to chemical energy in the solar panels, and then finally to electrical energy.
What is hydropower and how does it work?
Moving water can be used to spin turbines, usually in a dam.
What is non-renewable energy and what negative things can happen?
It is energy that will run out/finish. They can cause air pollution, contamination, damage the environment, etc
What´s the difference between potential energy and kinetic energy?
Potential energy is stored in objects. They do not move.
Kinetic energy is produced by movement. The heavier an object is and the faster it moves, the more kinetic energy.
What is energy transformation (definition)?
What is renewable energy and why is it good?
It is energy that will never run out. They do not cause pollution and are not harmful to the environment.
What is uranium, and how do we transform it into energy?
It´s a non-renewable energy source that was formed millions of years ago. Nuclear power stations transform the chemical energy in uranium into electrical energy.