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.