Energy is the capacity to do work or produce heat. It exists in various forms, and the SI unit for energy is the joule (J). One joule is equivalent to the energy transferred when one newton of force is applied over a one-meter distance. In simple words, joule is the energy required to lift a small apple about 1 meter agains Earth’s gravity.
Some daily life examples of energy are listed below:
- Mechanical Energy: When you kick a soccer ball, the kinetic energy of your leg is transferred to the ball, causing it to move.
- Thermal Energy: Heating water on a stove converts electrical energy into thermal energy, raising the water temperature.
- Chemical Energy: Batteries store chemical energy, which is converted into electrical energy to power electronic devices.
- Electrical Energy: Turning on a light bulb converts electrical energy into light and heat energy.
- Nuclear Energy: The sun produces energy through nuclear fusion, generating light and heat for our solar system.
- Potential Energy: Lifting a book off the ground gives it potential energy, which can be released when the book falls.
- Sound Energy: Clapping your hands produces sound energy, which travels through the air as vibrations.
- Kinetic Energy: A moving car possesses kinetic energy, which is the energy of motion.
- Gravitational Energy: A rock at the top of a hill has gravitational potential energy, which is released when it rolls down.
- Elastic Energy: Stretching a rubber band stores elastic energy, released when the band returns to its original shape.
