Energy Stores and Systems

Welcome to the topic lesson on energy stores and systems. In this lesson, we will explore the concept of energy, different types of energy stores, and how energy can be transformed within a system.

1. What is Energy?

• Energy is the ability to do work.
• Work is the act of moving an object with a force.
• Energy is measured in Joules (J).

2. Law of Conservation of Energy:

• Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another.
• The total amount of energy in a system remains constant.

3. Types of Energy Stores: a. Kinetic Energy:

• The energy of a moving object is due to its motion.

b. Thermal Energy:

• Energy is associated with the vibration of atoms within an object, resulting in heat.

c. Gravitational Potential Energy:

• Energy is stored by an object due to its position in a gravitational field.

d. Elastic Potential Energy:

• Energy is stored in a compressed or stretched object, such as a spring.

e. Chemical Energy:

• Energy stored within the chemical makeup of a substance is released through chemical reactions.

f. Electrical or Electrostatic Energy:

• Energy is carried through a circuit or due to the electric field of a charge.

g. Magnetic Energy:

• Energy stored in magnets or magnetic fields.

h. Light Energy:

• Energy carried by light waves.

i. Nuclear Energy:

• Energy stored in the nucleus of an atom is released in nuclear reactions.

4. Changes in Energy Stores:

• Energy can be transformed from one store to another.
• Examples include the conversion of gravitational potential energy to kinetic energy in a falling object and the conversion of chemical energy to thermal and kinetic energy in an internal combustion engine.

Understanding energy stores and systems is crucial for comprehending various physical phenomena. Energy is a fundamental concept that governs how objects and systems behave. By recognising different types of energy stores and how energy can be transformed, we can better understand the world around us.