Mechanical energy - this can be either kinetic or potential and has to do with the energy of position and motion of an object
Kinetic energy - this has to do with the speed of an object and how much mass it has; basically how the object is moving
Potential energy - this type of energy is stored energy; it can be increased by getting into a higher position and/or stretching an object such as a rubber band
Electrical energy - this is energy that is transferred by the movement of electrons through a conductor: the electrons create a current
Light energy - this is radiant energy from the sun; it's the only kind of energy we can see with our eyes
Thermal energy - this type of energy can be transferred in three different ways: 1) direction contact through collisions (also called conduction), 2) through a fluid making a current created by less dense fluids floating and more dense fluids sinking (also called convection), and 3) by waves traveling with or without a medium (also called radiation)
Sound energy - this type of energy travels through vibrations on waves
Chemical energy - this type of energy is often found in things like batteries or food
Nuclear energy - this is the energy found in the nucleus of an atom
Energy conversions - this is the term used when energy changes from one form to another
When Sam presses the brake lever, a pair of rubber shoes clamps onto the metal inner rim of the front and back wheels. As the brake shoes rub against the wheels, friction is caused and the kinetic energy possessed by the vehicle is converted into heat which slows down the vehicle.
