Mr. Valle’s Guide to
Energy & Electricity
Forms of Energy
Energy is the ability to do work
It can cause motion or other changes in matter There are many forms of energy
Forms of Energy
Mechanical Energy
Energy of moving objects Used to move people and objects from place to place
Types of Energy
Sound Energy
Energy you can hear Moves as waves through air and other matter
Types of Energy
Light Energy
Energy you can see Moves as waves through space Allows people to see
Types of Energy
Heat Energy
Energy of tiny moving particles of matter Used to heat food an warm homes
Types of Energy
Chemical Energy
Energy stored in substances Found in food, fuel, and batteries
Types of Energy
Electrical Energy
Energy of charged particles Used to run appliances and other machines
Electrical Energy
Electrical energy is the energy of charged particles of matter
Electrical Energy
Particles of matter can be either positively (+) or negatively (-) charged
Electrical Energy
Negative particles are called electrons
Electrical Energy
Positive particles are called protons
Electrical Energy
Particles with opposite charges are attracted to each other
Electrical Energy
Thanks to this force of attraction, electric energy can exist
Electrical Energy
It is important to know that electrons are lighter than protons
Electrical Energy
As a result, it is easier for electrons (-) to flow toward protons (+) than for protons to flow toward electrons
Electrical Energy
Electrical energy always moves from negatively charged areas to positive areas
Static Electricity
Static electricity results when objects rub against each other and opposite charges build up. These opposite charges attract each other. The effects can be seen in this picture.
Lightning
Lightning is another example of static electricity. When clouds rub against each other, static electricity builds up. The charges become so strong that a bolt of lightning eventually results.
Current Electricity
With current electricity, there is a steady flow of charges (as opposed to a gradual build up). A power plant, battery, or other source of energy is necessary to maintain the flow of charges.
Current Electricity
In order for current electricity to flow, there must be a closed circuit. (no breaks) The circuit on the left has a break so the bulb will not light. The circuit on the right has no breaks, so electricity can flow and the bulb will light.
Current Electricity
In order for current electricity to flow, there must be a closed circuit. (no breaks) The circuit on the left has a break so the bulb will not light. The circuit on the right has no breaks, so electricity can flow and the bulb will light.
Current Electricity
Switches help us to control when a circuit is open and closed. When we turn a light off, we are flipping a switch that opens the circuit. Turning a light on closes the circuit so electricity can flow.
Current Electricity
Electricity needs conductors to flow. Conductors are materials that allow electric charges to move through them easily. Copper wires and other metals are good conductors.
Current Electricity
The opposite of a conductor is an insulator. Insulators do not allow electric charges to flow through them. The rubber that covers the outside of wires is an insulator. (It keeps us safe from flowing electricity)