MOTION RELATED TO ENERGY AND ENERGY CONVERSION

Energy is the ability to do work and work is the ability to move something through a distance using a force such as a push or a pull. The sources of energy may vary: gasoline, coal, chemical, wind, or solar. The transfer of energy is what is needed to do work.

There are two kinds of energy: kinetic and potential energy. Kinetic energy is energy of motion(falling water). Potential energy is stored energy (battery has chemical energy when not in use). Our main source of energy is the sune; and once on earth, it is transferred from one form to another.

Moving water has energy which can do work. Moving water exerts a force transferring its energy to things it pushed on such as water wheels. Water can be stored in high places using dams. The water stored behind the dam has potential energy which is converted into kinetic energy once the water is released. The force of the released water moves giant turbines which help to generate electricity and thus do work.

The sun is responsible for heating up air molecules which rise up into the atmosphere. As they rise, up into the atmosphere, they cool down and begin to fall. This rising and falling of air masses causes the windsss. Wind can move objects through a distance and thus do work. Windmills can be used to graind grain, pump water, turn turbines, and even generate electricity.