Physics > Types of Energy
The table below shows different types of energy and a description of its properties.
Energy Type |
Description |
Magnetic |
Energy in magnets and electromagnets |
Kinetic |
Energy in moving objects. This can be demonstrated using the Airtrack apparatus |
Heat |
Also called thermal energy, this is the energy in flames or heat sources |
Light |
Also called radiant energy, this comes from anything that is luminous such as a candle or electrical filament |
Gravitational Potential |
This is the energy stored in raised objects, the higher the object, the greater the GPE. |
Chemical |
This is the energy stored in batteries, food or fuels that get converted into another form of energy. |
Sound |
This energy is released by vibrating objects such as musical instruments. |
Electrical |
This is the energy contained in moving or static electrical charges. |
Elastic Potential |
This energy is stored in stretched or squashed objects such as rubber bands. |
Nuclear |
Nuclear energy is stored in the nuclei of atoms and can be released in power stations. |