Middle School Physical Science : Identify types of energy

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Middle School Physical Science

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

All Middle School Physical Science Resources

51 Practice Tests Question of the Day Flashcards Learn by Concept

Example Questions

Example Question #11 : Identify Types Of Energy

Which of these is NOT an example of energy?

Possible Answers:

motion

heat

work

light

Correct answer:

work

Explanation:

The answer is "work." Work is the displacement of an object by using force. Energy is required to do work but it is not work.

 

Matter is anything that has a mass and volume. Matter is made of small particles called atoms. Desks, chairs, people, plants, animals, rocks, water, the Earth, and anything else you can touch are made of atoms, and thus are considered matter. Some examples of things that are not matter are thoughts, ideas, heat, light, sound, and anything else that is not made of atoms.

Energy is the ability to do work. Energy exists as light, heat, and motion. It does not take up space or have mass. It is not made of atoms, but there is energy stored in the bonds between atoms and it requires energy to break them apart. We have classified many kinds of energy even though they are all technically light, heat, and motion. 

Potential energy is stored energy. This can be paired with another description of energy. For example, "chemical potential" or "gravitational potential" energy are valid types of energy

Kinetic energy is motion energy. Also known as mechanical energy, this can also be a description of other types of energy. Sound, and temperature, are technically types of kinetic energy because they describe the motion of particles.

Nuclear energy is the energy stored within the nucleus of an atom.

Thermal energy is energy released or absorbed as heat.

Electric energy is energy from moving electrons.

Solar energy is energy from photons, or radiation from the sun.

Radiation is energy that moves in wave forms. 

Example Question #12 : Identify Types Of Energy

Which of these lists contains ONLY examples of matter, and no examples of energy?

Possible Answers:

table, chair, wood, rocks, trees

light, grass, wind, rocks, fire

wood, fire, trees, water, dirt

water, gravity, stars, sun, leaves

Correct answer:

table, chair, wood, rocks, trees

Explanation:

The answer is "table, chair, wood, rocks trees." All of these are matter. The other examples contained: fire, wind, light, and gravity, which are not matter.

Matter is anything that has a mass and volume. Matter is made of small particles called atoms. Desks, chairs, people, plants, animals, rocks, water, the Earth, and anything else you can touch are made of atoms, and thus are considered matter. Some examples of things that are not matter are thoughts, ideas, heat, light, sound, and anything else that is not made of atoms.

Energy is the ability to do work. Energy exists as light, heat, and motion. It does not take up space or have mass. It is not made of atoms, but there is energy stored in the bonds between atoms and it requires energy to break them apart. We have classified many kinds of energy even though they are all technically light, heat, and motion. 

Potential energy is stored energy. This can be paired with another description of energy. For example, "chemical potential" or "gravitational potential" energy are valid types of energy.

Kinetic energy is motion energy. Also known as mechanical energy, this can also be a description of other types of energy. Sound, and temperature, are technically types of kinetic energy because they describe the motion of particles.

Nuclear energy is the energy stored within the nucleus of an atom.

Thermal energy is energy released or absorbed as heat.

Electric energy is energy from moving electrons.

Solar energy is energy from photons, or radiation from the sun.

Radiation is energy that moves in wave forms. 

All Middle School Physical Science Resources

51 Practice Tests Question of the Day Flashcards Learn by Concept
Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors