This week is Earth Science Week (www.earthscienceweek.org). This year's theme is "Exploring Energy." Energy can be classified as potential, or stored, energy; and kinetic energy, which is the energy of motion.
- An example of potential energy is nuclear energy: the energy stored in the nucleus of an atom. During fusion, the sun combines the nuclei of hydrogen atoms to generate energy. We feel this energy on a hot summer day.
- An example of kinetic energy is electrical energy, in which tiny charged particles called electrons typically move through a wire. In nature, lightning is an example of electrical energy. Lightning is so powerful that it is not contained in a wire!
Every day, we use energy derived from a lot of sources, like coal, natural gas, wind and hydropower. No matter where your energy comes from, there are easy, inexpensive ways to save energy at home:
- Lower the thermostat on your hot water heater to 120 degrees;
- Wash only full loads of clothes and dishes.
- Plug televisions, DVD players and other home electronics into power strips. Turn the power strips off when you are not using equipment.
For more energy-saving tips, visit the Energy Savers website at www.energysavers.gov. To learn about other types of potential and kinetic energy, like mechanical and thermal energy, visit the U.S. Geological Survey website at energy.usgs.gov/PDFs/ESW2010_ImageEnergy.pdf.
