Energy exists all around us and there are a number of different types of energy.
The food that we eat is broken down in our bodies and gives us the energy that we need to run, play, and even think.
Quick Navigation
Energy Facts for Kids
- Food is converted into metabolic energy by our bodies.
- Running uses kinetic energy.
- The ability to change or move something is energy.
- Energy includes light, heat, motion, electrical, chemical, nuclear, and gravity.
- ‘Energy’ actually comes from the ancient Greek word “energeia”.
- Energy cannot be destroyed, only rearranged. It is called the law of conservation.
- Every type of energy is either potential energy or kinetic energy
Kinetic Energy
Kinetic energy is the kind that is caused by the movement of an object.
A baseball has kinetic energy when you throw it. A car also has kinetic energy when it is moving.
Some of the most common types of energy include
- Electrical energy
- Solar energy
- Elastic potential energy
- Heat energy
- Sound energy
- Chemical energy
- Geothermal energy
- Nuclear energy
- Gravitational potential energy
- Food energy
An example of gravitational potential energy might be someone who is standing on the diving board of a swimming pool. They have energy stored up that can be released upon diving.
Elastic Potential Energy
We are all familiar with pulling or stretching a rubber band and what happens when you let go. This is called elastic potential energy. The build of energy in pulling and stretching the band.
Chemical Energy
Chemical energy is a type of energy that exists and then is transformed into light or heat.
Photosynthesis
Plants create their own energy through a process called photosynthesis. They use the sun’s energy and convert it into the energy they need for their food.
Renewable and Sustainable Energy
When someone talks about renewable or sustainable energy they are referring to an energy source that is natural on the earth and can be used without harming the earth. Renewable energy constantly renews itself and sustainable energy can be used without causing harm or pollution.
Examples of renewable energy can be solar, wind, hydrothermal, and geothermal energies. Examples of sustainable energy can be biomass energy, which is the energy that is created when things degrade or rot.
Non-renewable energy is energy that is created using resources that cannot be replenished. Types of non-renewable energy include oil, coal, natural gas, and nuclear power. These types of energy sources use natural resources and are not good for the earth. The ‘fossil fuel’ category includes oil, coal, and gas.
Nuclear Energy
Nuclear power is another type of energy that is caused by chemical reactions. While it supplies nearly 13% of the electricity used in the world, it is also one of the least safe. The byproducts from nuclear fusion create radioactive waste that can take thousands of years before the radioactivity is removed.
Germany is one of the few countries that has made the decision to phase out their use of nuclear energy altogether. After the nuclear plant problems in Japan due to the tsunami of 2013, Japan has joined German in the same decision.
Source of Energy
In 2013, the United States used about 90% of its energy from nonrenewable sources. The use of biomass (waste, wood, biofuels) accounted for only about 5% of all of the energy used. By the year 2014, the U.S. used 24.7% of renewable energy sources.
Renewable Energy
Countries around the world are changing their focus from nonrenewable energy sources to renewable sources.
Scotland has become one of the few countries that gets almost all of its energy from wind turbines and hydrothermal.
As the world continues to increase its need for more and more energy, there are new businesses developing to answer the call to create energy through renewable sources.
Nonrenewable energy creates pollution and depletes the earth.
Organizations around the world are working together to create new guidelines and suggestions for countries and communities to encourage the use of sustainable and renewable energy to reduce pollution levels.
