Sunlight enables plants to use water and carbon dioxide during photosynthesis to make and store sugar in the plant. Any animal that eats the plants has the energy to move from place to place.

Question

What different types of energy are involved in this example? Choose all that apply. (7-PS3-2)
electromagnetic radiation
kinetic
thermal
electrical

Answer 1

In the example provided, the different types of energy involved can be identified as follows:

1. Electromagnetic Radiation: Sunlight is a form of electromagnetic radiation, which is utilized by plants during photosynthesis.

2. Kinetic Energy: The energy of movement in animals that eat the plants represents kinetic energy. Additionally, the movement of molecules during the processes in photosynthesis contributes to kinetic energy.

3. Thermal Energy: While not explicitly mentioned, thermal energy is generally involved in biological processes, including photosynthesis and metabolic activities in both plants and animals.

Electrical energy is not directly referenced in this context.

Therefore, the correct types of energy involved in this example are:

• Electromagnetic radiation
• Kinetic
• Thermal

So, you would choose:

• Electromagnetic radiation
• Kinetic
• Thermal