Energy Types

Energy, as most of us know, is simply defined as the capacity to perform work. It is a scalar quantity. A scalar quantity is one that is specified by its magnitude and it lacks direction. Joules, kilowatt-hours and kilo-calories are the different units which are used to measure energy. Although, there are a number of energy types, but according to physicist Hermann von Helmholt "All forms of energy are equivalent". Meaning, if one form of energy disappears, it may appear in a different form and with the same amount. Let us now discuss the various energy types which exist on our planet Earth.

Types of Energy Sources

Potential Energy
Let's begin with this discussion on energy types with knowing about potential energy. Defined as "the mechanical energy that a body has by virtue of its position", potential energy is basically a stored energy. The SI (International System of Units) unit of measure of this energy is Joules. Example of potential energy is water kept in an elevated tank.

Kinetic Energy
The dictionary definition of kinetic energy is "The mechanical energy that a body has by virtue of its motion". So, here we are taking about motion and it can be attributed as the work which is required to cause a body at rest, to accelerate, so that it has a magnitude of velocity. A football flying through air is said to have kinetic energy.

Mechanical Energy
Taking down to the third segment of our article on energy types, the energy that is produced as the sum of potential and kinetic, is known as the mechanical energy. Mechanical energy is associated with the motion and position of the object. The acts of lifting, stretching or twisting are an example of this kind of energy.

Thermal Energy
Let's understand this one of the energy types through a simple example. Let's consider a cup of hot water as the example. Here, the water molecules possess kinetic energy and potential energy as well. Kinetic because of the fact that they are in a state of moving and vibrating. And the same molecules possess potential energy because they are mutually attracted to each other. This type of energy is basically internal.

Heat Energy
Heat energy may be similar to the principle of thermal energy as described above. However, if we look at the subject intricately, heat energy is just the transfer of energy from a substance to another. This mainly happens as a result of temperature difference. This energy gets transferred with the help of conduction, convection and radiation. Heat always remains in a process function and hence, cannot be contained or stored, unlike thermal energy which can be contained in an object.

Light Energy
The sixth one to be discussed in our explanation of the energy types, is light energy. Also known as electromagnetic radiation or radiant energy, this one is produced by moving electrically charged particles. This energy in some cases behaves like photons ("a quantum of electromagnetic radiation") or sometimes like waves.

Chemical Energy
As I have mentioned earlier, all kinds of energy are equivalent and the same goes for chemical energy. It basically refers to a form of microscopic potential energy that is stored in foods, fuels, etc. Meaning, it refers to the energy that exists in the covalent bonds between atoms in a molecule.

Nuclear Energy
Nuclear energy is the form of energy that is released as a result of a nuclear reaction. Now this reaction may consist of nuclear fission (where in, a massive nucleus splits into smaller nuclei along with tremendous amounts of nuclear energy) or nuclear fusion (where in, nuclei of atoms combine to form a massive nuclei along with the release of huge amount of energy.)

Electrical Energy
In simple terms, the presence and flow of electric charge, which runs different kinds of appliances is known as electrical energy.

Gravitational Energy
Gravitational energy is associated with the energy of the gravitational field or it is the energy that is possessed by an object due to its position in a gravitational field.

Sound Energy
An example of mechanical energy, the sound energy is related with the kinetic and potential energy of air molecules.

Elastic Energy and Magnetic Energy
The energy which is stored when a body is deformed such as in objects that are stretched, compressed, bent, or twisted is known as elastic energy. Magnetic energy is simply defined as the potential energy of a magnetic field ("the lines of force surrounding a permanent magnet or a moving charged particle").

With this, I would like to put a period to my presentation of all the various energy types available. Hope the information provided in this article comes handy!