Here are four different forms of energy along with examples for each:
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Kinetic Energy: This is the energy of motion.
- Example: A moving car, a flowing river, or a flying baseball all possess kinetic energy due to their motion.
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Potential Energy: This is stored energy based on an object's position or condition.
- Example: A rock sitting at the edge of a cliff has gravitational potential energy due to its elevated position, and a compressed spring stores elastic potential energy.
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Thermal Energy: Also known as heat energy, it is related to the temperature of an object and is the energy generated by the movement of particles within an object.
- Example: Boiling water in a pot, the heat from a fire, or the warmth felt from a radiator all represent thermal energy.
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Chemical Energy: This is the energy stored in the bonds of chemical compounds, which can be released during a chemical reaction.
- Example: The energy stored in food (which our bodies convert into usable energy), batteries, or fuels like gasoline and coal is a form of chemical energy.
These forms of energy can often be converted from one to another, illustrating the principles of energy conservation and transformation.