Energy is the capacity to do work or produce change. It exists in various forms, each with specific properties and applications. Here are some common types of energy:
1. **Kinetic Energy**:
- The energy of motion. It depends on the mass and velocity of an object (e.g., a moving car or flowing water).
2. **Potential Energy**:
- The stored energy of an object due to its position or state. Examples include gravitational potential energy (an object held at a height) and elastic potential energy (a stretched rubber band).
3. **Thermal Energy**:
- The energy related to the temperature of an object. It arises from the movement of particles within a substance (e.g., heat from a stove).
4. **Chemical Energy**:
- The energy stored in the bonds of chemical compounds. It is released during chemical reactions (e.g., energy from food or fuels).
5. **Electrical Energy**:
- The energy of moving electric charges. It powers electrical devices and is transmitted through power lines.
6. **Nuclear Energy**:
- The energy released during nuclear reactions, either through fission (splitting of atomic nuclei) or fusion (combining of atomic nuclei). It powers nuclear reactors and weapons.
7. **Radiant Energy**:
- The energy carried by electromagnetic waves, including visible light, radio waves, and X-rays. It is used in communication and solar energy.
8. **Mechanical Energy**:
- The sum of kinetic and potential energy in an object or system. It includes the energy associated with the movement and position of objects (e.g., a swinging pendulum).
9. **Gravitational Energy**:
- A form of potential energy related to an object’s position in a gravitational field (e.g., a rock on a hill).
10. **Elastic Energy**:
- The energy stored in objects that can be stretched or compressed, such as springs or rubber bands.
Each type of energy can be transformed into other forms but is always conserved according to the law of conservation of energy.