The Science of Energy

WORDS TO UNDERSTAND

chemical energy —energy stored in the links that hold atoms together when they join to form groups of atoms, called molecules.

internal energy —the total heat energy and chemical energy within an object.

movement energy —the energy an object has in motion. Also called kinetic energy.

potential energy —energy stored in an object, such as the energy stored in a coiled spring which is released as kinetic energy when the spring unwinds.

work —a measure of the energy transferred to or from an object or a system. Work involves the action of a force on the object or system and is measured in joules.

RESEARCH PROJECT The famed physicist Richard Feynman, sometimes known as the “great explainer,” discusses the nature of energy and light waves in a short video, available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjHJ7FmV0M4.

TEXT-DEPENDENT QUESTIONS

1. Is it possible to create more energy? 2. What are two forms of energy?

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