Energy

Energy is the quantitative property that must be transferred to an object in order to perform work on, or to heat, the object. It exists in various forms, including kinetic energy (the energy of motion), potential energy (stored energy based on an object’s position or state), thermal energy (related to temperature), chemical energy (stored in chemical bonds), electrical energy (caused by the movement of electrons), and nuclear energy (stored in atomic nuclei). Energy is conserved in a closed system, meaning it cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another. The unit of measurement for energy in the International System of Units (SI) is the joule (J). Energy plays a crucial role in all physical processes and is essential for powering machines, heating, lighting, and performing various types of work in both natural and artificial environments.