Forms of Energy

4th Grade Science

Chapter 4

Light
Light is an energy that we can
see.
The Sun is our main source of
energy.
Light travels from its source in
straight lines in all directions.
Three sources of light energy is
from the Sun, fire, and electricity.

Heat
Thermal energy travels through objects and
space as heat.
Thermal energy is the total energy of all the
particles in matter.
Thermal energy moves as heat from a
warmer object to a cooler object.
When energy changes form, some heat is
given off.
Heat energy can be added or released from

Sound
Sounds are all around you.
All sounds are made when matter moves.
Sound happens when matter moves back
and forth, or vibrates.
Pitch describes how low or high a sound
is. Slow vibrations cause a low pitch. Fast
vibrations cause a high pitch.
Sound travels fastest is solids, less
quickly in liquid, and slowest in air.
Sound travels in waves.

Electricity

Electrical energy is the energy

that can pass through wires.
This form of energy can change
into forms that can run the
appliances in our homes.
We rely on electricity for most of
our everyday needs.

Kinetic Energy
* Energy in motion
*Anything that moves has
kinetic energy.
**For example: a swing at
playground or
Hurricane.

Potential Energy
*Energy that is stored in an
object.
*When object is in motion,
the potential energy is
released.
*For example: when a truck
burns fuel.

Mechanical Energy
Mechanical energy is the
energy of moving objects.
The moving parts of our
machines and playground
equipment have this form of
energy.
Mechanical energy is the
energy of motion.