NATURAL SCIENCE. 5th LEVEL.

UNIT 4: ENERGY.
Energy is the ability of an object to move, heat up or produce light. Energy also
makes objects move faster or change direction.
1. How many forms of energy are there?
The main forms of energy are: mechanical, chemical, electrical, thermal, light
and nuclear.
a) Mechanical energy: Energy that produces movement is
called mechanical energy. Its the energy that enables
people and things to move, go faster or change direction.
There are two types of mechanical energy: kinetic energy
and potential energy.
La energa cintica es la energa que un cuerpo posee
cuando est en movimiento. La energa potencial es la
energa que tiene un cuerpo situado a cierta altura sobre el
suelo; es decir, la capacidad potencial de movimiento que tiene.
b) Chemical energy: This energy is stored in some substances.
c) Thermal energy: This is energy in form of heat.
d) Light energy: This is energy in form of light.
e) Electrical energy: This is energy in form of electricity.
f) Nuclear energy: This type of energy is stored in the atomic
structure of all matter. In nuclear power stations, nuclear energy is
transformed into the electrical energy that we use in our home and
cities.
2. What happens to energy when its used?
Energy never disappears. It can be transformed from one type of energy into
another, but it doesnt disappear completely.
Some common energy transformations are:
Chemical energy -------------- kinetic energy.
Electrical energy -------------- kinetic and thermal
energy.
Light energy ---------- Electrical energy.
3. How are sources of energy classified?
We get energy from natural sources. They can be renewable or non-renewable.
a) RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES.
Renewable resources include: hydroelectric power, wind energy, solar energy
and biofuels.
Hydroelectric power: We get hydroelectric energy from water that is
moving or falling.
Wind energy: We get wind energy from the movement of air.

 Solar energy: We get solar energy from the Sun in the

form of light and heat.
Biofuels: We get biofuels from plant and animal
products. Biofuels can be solid (biomass), liquid
(bioliquids) or gas (biogases).
b) NON-RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES.
Non-renewable energy is energy from sources that are limited.
Petroleum
Coal
Natural gas
Uranium
4. How can we protect our planet?
We can save energy to protect our planet.
What problems do non-renewable energy sources cause? These sources are
limited and produce pollution.
What are three Rs?
Reduce: Buy products that dont have a lot of packaging.
Reuse: Use glass, metal and plastic containers again and again.
Recycle: Separate rubbish and put it in the correct bin.

Reduce

Reuse

Recycle