Different Kinds of Energy

There are many different kinds of energy. Some of the more common ones are: light, sound, electrical, chemical, movement, heat.

You cannot create or destroy energy, but you can change it from one kind to another.

Torch emitting light

For instance, the electrical energy that goes into a toaster or kettle is changed into heat energy. The chemical energy in a battery is changed to electrical energy in a torch, which then changes the electrical energy into light. 

Microphone

A microphone turns sound energy into electrical energy. A loudspeaker then turns the electrical energy at the other end of the cable back in sound energy.

Ardnacrusha

Ardnacrusha was planned by Irish engineer Tommy McLaughlin. The project's success meant it was a model for other large-scale hydro schemes. In 2002, Ardnacrusha won two major international honours, ranking it alongside the Eiffel Tower, the space shuttle and the Japanese bullet train.

Image: courtesy of Brendan Delany

Ardnacrusha
Image: courtesy of Brendan Delany

Ardnacrusha

Ardnacrusha was planned by Irish engineer Tommy McLaughlin. The project's success meant it was a model for other large-scale hydro schemes. In 2002, Ardnacrusha won two major international honours, ranking it alongside the Eiffel Tower, the space shuttle and the Japanese bullet train.

Image: courtesy of Brendan Delany

Enlarge image

Movement (often called kinetic) energy of wind or falling water is changed into electrical energy at electricity generating stations.

Chemical energy from the food you eat changes into movement (kinetic) energy when you do things.

We will now look at some of these forms of energy.