PS.6 The student will investigate and understand forms of energy and how energy is transferred and transformed. Key concepts include
1. potential and kinetic energy
2. mechanical, chemical, electrical, thermal, radiant and nuclear energy

Potential & Kinetic Energy

• Energy is the ability to do work.
• Energy exists in two states.
  • Potential energy is stored energy based on position or chemical composition. Students should know that the amount of potential energy associated with an object depends on its position.
  • Kinetic energy is energy of motion. The amount of kinetic energy depends on the mass and velocity of the moving object.

Forms of Energy

• Important forms of energy include radiant, thermal, chemical, electrical, mechanical, and nuclear energy.
• Visible light is a form of radiant energy and sound is a form of mechanical energy.




• Energy can be transformed from one type to another.
• In any energy conversion, some of the energy is lost to the environment as thermal energy.
  

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