Energy
Energy is the capacity to do work. It is a fundamental concept in physics, and is defined as the ability to do work on an object or system. Energy is the ability to cause change in the environment, and is the driving force behind all physical and chemical processes. Energy can be converted from one form to another, and can be used to power machines, vehicles, and other devices. Energy can also be stored in batteries, fuel cells, and other forms of energy storage.
History of Energy
The concept of energy has been around since ancient times. The ancient Greeks believed that energy was the fundamental force behind all physical and chemical processes. In the 17th century, the concept of energy was further developed by Isaac Newton, who proposed that energy was the ability to do work. In the 19th century, the concept of energy was further developed by James Joule, who proposed that energy could be converted from one form to another. In the 20th century, the concept of energy was further developed by Albert Einstein, who proposed that energy and mass were equivalent.
Comparison of Energy Types
| Type of Energy | Energy (Joules) |
|---|---|
| Kinetic Energy | 1 |
| Potential Energy | 2 |
| Thermal Energy | 3 |
| Chemical Energy | 4 |
| Nuclear Energy | 5 |
Summary
Energy is the capacity to do work, and is the driving force behind all physical and chemical processes. Energy can be converted from one form to another, and can be used to power machines, vehicles, and other devices. Energy can also be stored in batteries, fuel cells, and other forms of energy storage. For more information about energy, visit websites such as the U.S. Department of Energy, the World Energy Council, and the International Energy Agency.
See Also
- Kinetic Energy
- Potential Energy
- Thermal Energy
- Chemical Energy
- Nuclear Energy
- Work
- Power
- Force
- Heat
- Light
