U3: Forms of Energy

Key Learning Points:

• Everything needs energy. Living things need energy to survive. Non-living things need energy to work.


• The Sun is the main source of energy.


• Be able to give the sources, examples and uses of the various forms of energy.

Light Energy

• Main source of light is from the Sun.


• Light energy allows us to see things. We can see things because they reflect light to our eyes.


• It also allows us to communicate / send information (e.g. traffic lights)


• Shadows are formed when light is blocked.

Electrical Energy

• Main source of electricity is from the power stations.

Heat Energy

• Main source of heat is from the Sun.


• Heat can be produced by rubbing any 2 surfaces together because of friction.


• It is measured using a thermometer


• Heat travels from a hotter place to a colder place.


• Heating makes matter expands


• Cooling makes matter contracts

Kinetic Energy

• It is also known as movement (or motion) energy.


• All moving objects have kinetic energy.


• Greater speed and mass of an object means greater amount of kinetic energy

Potential Energy

• This is stored energy and there are 2 types.


• Chemical potential energy goes through changes or changed into other forms of energy when it is being used.


• Gravitational potential energy is caused by the pull of gravity. The greater the height and mass of an object, the greater the amount of gravitational potential energy.

Sound Energy

• This is an energy that can be heard.


• It is very important as it enable us to communicate (e.g. talking).