Different Forms of Energy

Energy is required to run machines and vehicles. Humans and animals also need energy to move. What is this power? It is called "Urja" or Energy. Simply put, energy is the force used to do work. Energy is used all around us in various forms. Whether birds are flying, a TV or radio is playing, food is being cooked, or trees are swaying in the wind—power is being used. Here are the different forms:

• Light: This is radiant energy coming from the sun. Plants use it to make food, and living beings get energy from it.

• Heat: Sunlight contains heat, and fire also produces it. Heat travels through the air and various materials. Its uses are well known.

• Electricity: This comes from the movement of electrons in a substance. The list of its uses is long. Heat, atoms, or light are used to generate electricity.

• Atomic (Nuclear) Energy: A huge amount of energy is produced when the atom of a substance is split. This is done in large reactors using radioactive metals. It is primarily used to generate electricity.

• Motion: Every moving object has energy called Kinetic Energy. It can be generated from atoms, electricity, or heat.

• Wind: Wind is created on the Earth's surface due to its rotation. Wind power can be used by windmills to generate electricity or by pumps to draw water. Ships also sail using wind power.

• Chemical Energy: Some chemicals react with each other to produce heat or electricity. A battery is the best example of this.