PREVIEW:
QUESTION 1: Energy Basics [18 Marks]
1.1 Define and explain the different forms of energy, providing real-world examples for each. (14)
• Kinetic Energy: Kinetic energy is the energy of motion, the force that allows objects to move from
one point to another. It’s the reason a car speeds down the highway, a thrown ball flies through
the air, and rivers flow. The more mass and velocity an object has, the more kinetic energy it
contains. For example, a moving car or a cyclist speeding down a hill both possess kinetic energy.
• Potential Energy: Potential energy is stored energy, held by an object due to its position, state, or
condition. This type of energy has the potential to do work when released. For instance, a boulder
perched at the top of a hill has gravitational potential energy, which will convert to kinetic energy
if it starts rolling down.
• Thermal Energy: Thermal energy, often called heat energy, comes from the vibration of molecules
within a substance. The hotter an object, the faster its molecules move, and the more thermal
energy it contains. An example would be boiling water on a stove where the heat from the stove
increases the water's thermal energy.
• Chemical Energy: Chemical energy is stored in the bonds between atoms in a molecule. When
these bonds are broken through a chemical reaction, the energy is released. A classic example is a
battery powering your phone—inside, stored chemical energy is transformed into electrical energy
to keep your device running.
• Electrical Energy: Electrical energy is derived from the movement of electric charges. It’s the
energy we use daily to power our homes, gadgets, and machines. Flipping a light switch or
charging a phone are common uses of electrical energy.
Disclaimer:
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• Sound Energy: Sound energy results from the vibration of particles in a medium (air, water, etc.).
It’s what you hear every day—music, conversation, or the roar of an engine. For example, when a
guitar string vibrates, it produces sound energy that travels to your ears.
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