Contributor: Samantha Penna. Lesson ID: 11763
Review four forms of energy — light, heat, sound, and electric — and complete a fun project. Power up your camera!
Hint: They were covered in the Related Lessons in the right-hand sidebar!
That's right!
The images show light, heat, sound, and electric energy.
This lesson reviews these different forms of energy.
Fantastic!
Light energy can come from natural sources or man-made sources.
Natural energy sources occur naturally on the earth or in space. People create man-made sources of energy.
The sun, fire, and stars are examples of light energy that comes from natural sources. Light bulbs, televisions, and computers are examples of man-made light energy.
Light travels in straight lines. If white light goes through a prism, a rainbow of colors will be shown on the other side.
A prism is a three-dimensional glass that is usually shaped like a triangle.
Heat is a form of energy that also can be naturally occurring or man-made.
Natural heat comes from fire, friction, and the sun. Friction occurs when two things rub together quickly to create heat.
Man-made heat comes from objects like a stove, a microwave, and an oven.
If you touch something hot, it will burn your hand because heat can be transferred from one object to another.
You can use a thermometer to tell how hot something is.
Sound is a form of energy that is made by vibrations. These vibrations travel in waves to your ears.
The sound travels into your ear and vibrates your eardrum. Then, your brain processes the vibrations as sound.
Low-pitched sounds, like a drum, create longer waves than high-pitched sounds. A whistle makes a high-pitched sound.
Electrical energy can be found right where you are now!
Electricity can be made in a power plant. The power plant sends the electricity through power lines, and these power lines bring power to you.
Lights, computers, and televisions are examples of things powered by electricity. Natural electricity is found in lightning bolts.
Great work!
In the Got It? section, answer questions about the different types of energy.