Lesson 1: Forms of Energy – We learned about the types of energy that are classified as kinetic energy and potential energy such as electrical, thermal, nuclear, radiant, and sound energy. We identified kinetic electrical energy as current flowing through appliances and flashlights. We identified kinetic thermal energy as being present in all objects in which the particles are moving such as in hot water, burning wood, and steam. We learned about potential nuclear energy as in the sun, stars, and fuel rods in nuclear power plants. Then we learned that kinetic radiant energy comes from the sun, light bulbs, fire, x-ray machines, and radios. Next we learned that kinetic sound energy comes from voices, musical instruments, and machinery.
Lesson 1: Forms of Energy – We learned about energy carried by waves. A wave is a disturbance that transfers energy from one place to another without transferring matter. Sound energy is energy carried by sound waves which are waves that move through matter. Electromagnetic waves are electric and magnetic waves that move perpendicularly to one another. The energy carried by electromagnetic waves is radiant energy. Electromagnetic waves travel through matter and also through spaces with little or no matter. Forms of electromagnetic waves include visible light, ultraviolet waves, x-rays, gamma rays, and infrared rays.
Discussion Question
What is the difference between a sound wave and a light wave?
A sound wave requires matter, but a light wave can move through matter or through empty space. A light wave is an electromagnetic wave and a sound wave is not.