Energy types
What kind of energy moves an object?
Mechanical
Which of the following is not an example of conserving resources:
a) Leaving the tap running while brushing your teeth.
b) Turning off all the lights before leaving the house.
c) Walking to school instead of driving
d) Hanging up laundry to dry outside.
a) Leaving the tap running while brushing your teeth.
What is potential energy? Define it.
Potential energy is stored energy.
Example: An apple hanging in a tree.
What is the input energy of a human? What is the output energy?
Input: Chemical (we digest food using the calories for energy)
Output: Mechanical (we can move - run, jump), thermal (keeps us warm - don't eat enough you can't make heat)
What is it called when the Earth's usual weather patterns slowly change over time?
Climate change
What kind of energy is created by the movement of particles and generates heat?
Thermal
What is the term for when energy spreads out or is converted into a less useful form, often heat?
“Dissipation” or “dissipated energy"
What is kinetic energy? Define it.
Kinetic energy is energy of motion (energy at work).
Example: An apple falling from a tree.
What is the input energy for an electric guitar? What is the output energy?
Input: Electrical (plug it into the wall with a wire), mechanical (move the strings to make it work).
Output: Mechanical (include sound)
Solar panels turn sunlight into electricity. Why is using solar energy better for the environment than burning coal or gasoline?
Solar energy is clean. It doesn’t make smoke or pollution.
What kind of energy travels in waves, such as visible light or x-rays?
Radiant
Give an example of “dissipation” or “dissipated energy" (not a lightbulb)
When a computer heats up and feels warm from use
A bike is moving down the street. Does it have kinetic or potential energy? Why?
Kinetic energy.
Reason: The bike is moving, so its energy is in motion.
What is the input and output energy of a flashlight?
Input: Chemical (use batteries, which use a chemical reaction to work)
Output: Radiant
A car can run on gasoline or electricity. Which type of energy is better for the environment, and why? Think about where the energy comes from and what happens when it is used.
Electric cars are usually better for the environment, especially if the electricity comes from clean sources like wind or solar. Gasoline cars release greenhouse gases that pollute the air and contribute to climate change.
What kind of energy is delivered by electrons, usually moving through a wire or through the build-up of electrons?
Electrical
Which industry do you think uses the most energy?
a) Agriculture (Think farms)
b) Industrial (Think factories)
c) Transportation (Think busing, airports)
d) Residential (Think houses)
b) Industrial (Think factories)
Is energy stored in the nucleus of an atom (nuclear energy) kinetic or potential?
Potential
Before release:
Energy is stored inside the atom’s nucleus → this is potential nuclear energy.
What is the input energy and output energy of a solar panel?
Input: Radiant (uses the light from the sun)
Output: Electrical (generates electricity)
When people waste electricity by leaving lights and devices on, energy is still being used. How does wasting energy affect the planet?
Hint: Fossil fuels are used to make electricity in houses.
Wasting energy often means more fossil fuels are burned to make electricity. This causes more pollution and contributes to global warming.
What kind of energy is stored in the nucleus of an atom, released when the nuclei are combined?
Nuclear
What kind of energy are fossil fuels considered?
Chemical (non-renewable).
Why?
Millions of years ago, plants and tiny organisms used energy from the Sun to grow. When these organisms died, their remains were buried underground. Over a very long time, heat and pressure turned them into coal, oil, and natural gas, which we call fossil fuels.
The energy from the Sun became stored in the chemicals of the fuel. When we burn fossil fuels, that stored energy is released as heat and light.
Think of a car: The heat makes gases expand and push on parts of the engine (called pistons).
When a ball is thrown and at its highest point before falling back down, is it maximum kinetic or potential energy?
Potential energy: Maximum → because it is at the highest height, so it has the most stored energy.
Kinetic energy: Minimum (almost zero) → because the ball stops moving upward for a moment before it starts to fall.
What is the input and output energy of a laptop?
Input: Chemical or electrical
Output: Light (radiant) energy → from the screen or keyboard lights
Sound energy → from speakers (sometimes we call it mechanical because speakers move air)
Thermal energy → the computer gets warm
Mechanical energy → moving parts inside, like fans or the hard drive
Solar panels turn sunlight into electricity. Why is using solar energy better for the environment than burning coal or gasoline?
Solar energy is clean and renewable. It doesn’t produce smoke, greenhouse gases, or pollution like coal or gasoline, so it helps protect the air and the planet.