Energy is one concepts that is difficult to define. Everyone knows that they have energy or do not have energy. Certainly everyone knows that energy has many forms such as heat, light and electricity. Here are some definition of energy:
The dictionary defines energy as a potential forces; capacity for action. In the study of physics, energy is defined as the capacity to do work and overcome resistance. Energy is a measure of the ability to do work. Energy talks about the ability to do work , but not only work it also gives us the ability to play. In fact we could just say that energy is the ability to do. It is the "stuff that makes things go."
Forms of Energy
Energy exist in different forms such as electricity, light, sound, heat. gravitational. chemical and nuclear energy. This energy can exist in either a stored form or it maybe moving from one point to another. Energy in a stored form can also be referred to as potential energy.
Different energy forms are classified into seven groups as follows:
- Mechanical Energy
Examples: a torque applied to a rotating object or a kinetic energy (the energy of a moving body) or potential energy (e.g. compressed spring). Sound is also a form of mechanical energy.
- Electrical Energy
- Electromagnetic Energy
- Chemical Energy
- Nuclear Energy
- Thermal Energy
- Gravitational Energy