Energy

[| Have a look at this site for some energy related games :)]

WHAT IS ENERGY?
 * Energy is the ability to work. You need energy to force an object to move. You need energy to make matter change. The blowing wind, the warm Sun and a falling leaf are all examples of energy in use. Energy makes motion and change possible. **

HOW DO WE HARNESS ENERGY? ** Can you think of another example of potential energy turning into kinetic energy? ** = =
 * There are two basic types of energy, **** kinetic **** and **** potential **** . ** Kinetic energy ** is being used as an object is in motion. ** Potential energy ** is in storage just waiting to be used. Many things start out having potential energy, and then once they begin to move, the energy becomes kinetic. For example, a car parked in a driveway has potential energy. When the ignition is started and it drives away, the car gains kinetic energy as it moves. **


 * Solar power **** is the conversion of [|sunlight] into [|electricity], either directly using [|photovoltaics] (PV), or indirectly using [|concentrated solar power] (CSP). Concentrated solar power systems use lenses or mirrors and tracking systems to focus a large area of sunlight into a small beam. Photovoltaics convert light into electric current using the [|photoelectric effect] . **
 * WILL SEE WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE FOCUS MIRRORS TO POINT THE SUNLIGHT ONTO A THERMOMETER. **

WIND
 * The terms wind energy or wind power describe the process by which the wind is used to generate mechanical power or electricity. Wind turbines convert the kinetic energy in the wind into mechanical power. This mechanical power can be used for specific tasks (such as grinding grain or pumping water) or a generator can convert this mechanical power into electricity. **

ELECTRICAL ENERGY =CHEMICAL ENERGY =
 * Electrical energy **** is the movement of charged particles, negative (-) and positive (+). It can come from batteries or power plants and it can also be found in nature. Power plants burn fuel to make electricity which is then sent to homes and businesses through wires. **


 * Chemical energy **** is stored in the particles that make up food, fuel and other matter. The food you eat gives chemical energy which allows you to walk, run and move. **

LIGHT ENERGY
 * Light energy **** comes from the Sun. Plants use it to make food and scientists use it to create lasers. **

MECHANICAL ENERGY
 * Mechanical energy **** is matter in motion. An aeroplane soaring through the sky has mechanical energy just like the wind or a flowing river. Sound is another type of mechanical energy. **

HEAT/THERMAL ENERGY
 * Thermal energy **** comes from the motion of tiny particles in matter. The faster the particles move, the warmer the matter can get. Examples of thermal energy are stoves and matches. **

NUCLEAR ENERGY
 * Nuclear energy **** is formed when tiny particles called atoms split apart (fission) or join together (fusion). The Sun’s energy is produced from nuclear reaction. **

=HYDRO POWER =
 * Hydro power is when we harness the power of moving water to create electricity. **