Different Types Of Energy With Examples
We explain that what are different types of energy with examples. In Physics, energy is what makes us capable of producing work . Thanks to it, it is possible to transform matter and energy in turn, to satisfy needs. The known universe is sustained by processes that involve energy, and that develop naturally. Similarly, our planet uses energy to stay balanced.
Types of energy
Energy has different natures, since it is used to carry out different types of work and comes from many sources.
Kinetic energy
The kinetic energy is one that contains a body in motion. It depends on its mass and the speed at which it travels. It can be found in a rolling ball, in the wind that runs between mountains, or in any other body or substance that changes position and moves from one place to another.
Potential energy
The potential energy is the one that contains a body is at rest, either over land or a certain height. It is also what spring springs store while they are compressed or stretched. When they return to their original length, work has been produced and their potential energy has been released.
Both energies, kinetic and potential, serve mainly to result in mechanical work . However, kinetic energy has a natural function in substances: to change physical states . For example, if you have an ice cube at 0 ° C and its temperature is increased, the kinetic energy of its water particles will increase, and they will become liquid water.
Chemical energy
The chemical energy is the energy released when two or more substances come in contact and initiate a chemical reaction . Depending on the nature of the reaction, it will be the amount of energy it delivers. For example, the reaction between water and hydrochloric acid is spontaneous and even violent due to the amount of heat it gives off.
Flow energy
The energy flow is containing a liquid or a gas when walking inside a pipe . It depends on factors such as the density of this fluid and the material that covers the pipe inside. It is taken into account for the design of pumps and networks that will lead the fluids to different points of an industrial plant.
Mechanical energy
The mechanical energy is named for its purpose, which is to promote mechanical parts in machinery to make it operate. For example, in an internal combustion engine, the pistons are what provide the mechanical energy to the crankshaft, so that the tires turn and move forward. It is the combination of kinetic and potential energy in the mechanism.
Electric power
The electricity is produced by a current of electrons that flow through a conductive material. It is with it that household appliances such as microwave ovens, refrigerators, and washing machines can be put into action . It can be created in thermoelectric and hydroelectric plants , thanks to transforming other energies first.
- In thermoelectric plants , fuels are burned (chemical energy) to generate heat (thermal energy) and thus evaporate water, to use the pressure of its steam (kinetic energy) to move turbines in electrical generators (electrical energy).
- In hydroelectric power plants , the movement of a body of water (kinetic energy), such as a river, is used to rotate turbines that communicate this movement to electrical generators (electrical energy).
Thermal energy
The thermal energy is one that raises the temperature of the bodies and substances. It is another way of calling the kinetic energy that, specifically, shakes the particles of matter. For example, a pot full of water that is on top of a burning stove acquires the thermal energy that combustion gives off, and in turn transmits it to the water it contains.
Solar energy
The solar energy is coming from the sun king: the sun. It is a sum of energies, between thermal, radiant, magnetic and electromagnetic waves, that travel through the universe until reaching all the celestial bodies that surround it, including our planet Earth. This energy can be used by means of solar panels, to transform it into electrical energy.
Wind power
The wind energy is that obtained from the wind , that is, of moving air. It is a form of kinetic energy , which takes its name from the source from which it comes. It can be used through wind fields , where tall wind turbines (collector fans) are placed that collect the force of the wind in an internal generator, to obtain electrical energy.
Hydraulic energy
The hydraulic energy is contained in the moving water . It is a form of kinetic energy , which takes its name from the source from which it comes. It can be used in hydroelectric power plants, in which the flow of a river, for example, is concentrated in a dam to increase its speed and, therefore, the force with which it pushes the generator turbines.
Nuclear energy
The nuclear energy is that which is contained between protons and neutrons. These are the particles that make up the nuclei of atoms , and are held together by this energy. To take advantage of it, nuclear fission reactors are used, which separate particles from nuclei and release energy. It is the one that is obtained in the cleanest way, but producing it is high risk.
Geothermal energy
The geothermal energy is coming from the internal heat of the Earth, and that comes from the core and mantle. The geysers are an example of geothermal energy: shed vapors high pressures and temperatures. These are a tourist attraction that people can approach, but very little, because those vapors are very dangerous.
Magnetic energy
The magnetic energy is produced in magnetic fields. These fields are formed by forces that attract metals, and can be natural in minerals such as magnetite (Fe 3 O 4 ), or be generated by an electric field that passes through an electrically conductive material.
Electromagnetic energy
The electromagnetic energy is carrying radio waves, infrared, ultraviolet, X – rays, which are not visible but have a frequency that influence the tangible world. It can also be called this way to the magnetic energy obtained by means of an electric field.
Radiant energy
The radiant energy is one containing visible light and depends on the number of photons , which are the particles of light. The more concentrated you are, the more intense the radiant energy will be. This is used with solar panels , which are made of materials whose electrons are excited by light and produce electrical energy that can be used in a home or building.
Examples of energy
Energy manifests itself in a wide variety of forms, such as:
- Kinetic energy
- Potential energy
- Chemical energy
- Flow energy
- Mechanical energy
- Electric power
- Thermal energy
- Solar energy
- Wind power
- Hydraulic energy
- Nuclear energy
- Geothermal energy
- Magnetic energy
- Electromagnetic energy
- Radiant energy