Physics
Study of matter, energy, and their interactions in the universe.
Basic Concepts
Energy: Powering the Universe
Energy Is Everywhere
Energy is what makes things happen! It can’t be created or destroyed, only changed from one form to another. Energy comes in many types, like kinetic (movement), potential (stored), thermal (heat), and more.
Forms of Energy
- Kinetic Energy: The energy of moving things—like a rolling ball.
- Potential Energy: Stored energy—like a stretched rubber band.
- Thermal Energy: Energy from heat—like a hot cup of cocoa.
- Chemical Energy: Stored in food, batteries, and fuels.
The Law of Conservation of Energy
The total energy in a closed system stays the same. If you jump off a wall, your potential energy changes to kinetic energy, but the total energy remains constant.
Energy in Action
Everyday actions—like running, eating, or turning on a light—use energy and often change it from one form to another.
Examples
A car moving uses kinetic energy.
A battery stores chemical energy until you use it in a toy.
In a Nutshell
Energy is the ability to do work or cause change, and it exists in many forms all around us.