Energy is neither created nor destroyed, but rather transformed.
This article explains what energy is, but especially talks about the different types of energy. The different forms of energy that exist according to physics are thus presented.
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The 12 types of energy according to physics
Energy is the attitude of a system or a body to do a specific job . This is the meaning given to the word “energy” today, although it comes from the Greek “ενέργεια” (energeia), and its original meaning was activity or movement.
According to physics there are different types of energy. They can come in different forms although, as the law of conservation of energy says, energy is neither created nor destroyed; it just transforms.
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1. Solar power
Solar energy is that which comes from the Sun. The energy power with which it radiates to our planet is 180 billion kilowatts, although part of this energy is reflected from the atmosphere into outer space.
Keep in mind that basically solar energy is the root of the origin of the other types of energy that can be found on Earth.
2. Mechanical energy
Mechanical energy is directly related to the position and movement of objects . It can be transient or stored, depending on whether the energy is transferred from one body to another or is kept within a substance.
There are different types of energy presented below that should be classified as mechanical energy.
3. Potential energy
Potential energy is a type of stored-type mechanical energy . It is energy that is retained within a body, and that is associated with its position and in the forces generated by other bodies.
For example, the gravitational force is related to an object that can be held on a table. The object contains a potential energy that remains stable until the condition changes. If the table were removed or someone applied lateral force to this object it could fall to the ground by the pull of the Earth.
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4. Kinetic energy
The kinetic energy in the resultant of motion . Recovering the previous example, the free fall of the object that was on the table expresses a kinetic force, having transformed its potential energy.
Kinetic energy is, therefore, the energy that a body possesses due to its setting in motion, as its name in Greek indicates.
5. Elastic energy
Elastic energy is the work done by an elastic body that is deformed by external forces . Once these external forces have ended, the body in question recovers its initial configuration.
It is therefore a type of mechanical force, since the elastic body stores energy that it uses to recover its original shape.
6. Wind power
Wind power is extracted by exploiting the kinetic energy of the wind . Wind energy has been used since ancient times by humans. A good example of this is navigation, allowing human beings to cross seas and oceans.
It is considered clean energy, because it does not leave any type of pollution, such as greenhouse gases. It is therefore a type of energy for which investment is being made in recent years.
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7. Hydraulic power
Hydraulic energy is also a type of kinetic energy, but in this case from water . Since time immemorial it has been used to obtain energy through river courses, as well as waterfalls to also take advantage of its potential energy.
It is also also a clean energy such as wind energy. The most common thing in the history of the human being has been to use hydraulic mills to be able to take advantage of their energy.
8. Thermal energy
Thermal energy is the heat that is generated by the movement of atoms (and molecules). The excitation, vibrations and collisions that occur in the atoms inside a body is a source of thermal energy, which appears to a greater or lesser degree in any body that has a temperature greater than absolute zero.
This type of energy can be generated by conduction (solids), convection (fluids) or irradiation (through electromagnetic waves).
9. Electric power
Electricity is associated with this type of energy . The term serves to express both the energy of an electric current and the electrostatic energy that comes from a particular charge distribution in a body.
Electrical storms are the most representative example of this type of energy in nature. It is an energy that is difficult to store, but that can be very easily transported and transformed.
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10. Chemical energy
The energy appears as a consequence of the breaking of chemical bonds . These bonds can be present between two atoms that are part of a molecule or between two molecules.
The digestion of food in the human body is a very representative example, as well as the combustion of gasoline. Both the human body and a car need energy to move, and this energy comes from the breaking of food and gasoline bonds.
11. Electromagnetic energy
Also known as radiant energy, this energy comes from electromagnetic waves . It is emitted by bodies spontaneously or under particular conditions, and it is light radiation (light, ultraviolet or infrared), X-rays, gamma rays and radio waves.
When they are long wave they do not have harmful effects on the body, as in the case of radio waves. However, in the case of X-rays or gamma rays, they can penetrate cells and affect DNA.
12. Nuclear power
Nuclear energy is a source of energy of atomic origin . It is the force that holds the nucleus of atoms together, and a rupture of these through the fission process releases a large amount of energy. It also happens when two atoms fuse.
In recent years, much has been made of this type of energy. However, it is an energy that generates a type of waste that is very harmful to the planet.
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Bibliographic references
- Bradley, D. (2009). Combustion and the design of future engine fuels. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part C: Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science, 223 (12), 2751–2765.
- Smith, Crosbie (1998). The Science of Energy – a Cultural History of Energy Physics in Victorian Britain. The University of Chicago Press.
- Vazquez-Reyna, M. (1998). Reflections on matter, energy and mass. Mexico City.
To the classic question “what do you do?” I always answer “basically I am a psychologist”. In fact, my academic training has revolved around the psychology of development, education and community, a field of study influenced my volunteer activities, as well as my first work experiences in personal services.