Your Renewable Energy World

What is Energy ?

Energy is the ability to do work. We use different forms of energy for different types of work: Mechanical energy moves objects from one place to another. You use mechanical energy when you throw a ball. Electrical energy comes from the movement of electrons through a conductor, such as a copper wire. (Electrons are parts of atoms , the tiny particles that make up every object on Earth.) Lightning is a natural form of electrical energy. Radiant energy moves in waves through space. Light, X rays, and radio waves are forms of radiant energy. Chemical energy is stored in the chemical bonds that hold together atoms and molecules . A molecule is a particle formed from two or more atoms bonded together. Digestion releases chemical energy stored in food. The burning of fuels like wood, coal, and natural gas is a chemical reaction that releases heat. Thermal energy is created by the movement of atoms and molecules, and is released as heat. Nuclear energy is stored in the nucleus , or the center, of an atom. It is released when the nucleus splits into many pieces in a process called fission , or when two nuclei are forced together to form a larger nucleus in a process called fusion .

Word Find

Energy-related words and phrases are in green in this booklet. Find them and list them on a sheet of paper.

Choose 10 words that are new to you, and use this booklet or a dictionary to find and write their definitions. Bonus: Create your own crossword puzzle or word search with your 10 words and share it with a classmate.

© 201 9 Culver Media, LLC 800-428-5837 Product #37030 Run #509 9 September 201 9 Printed by Quad/Graphics, West Allis, WI

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