 In this the last section on light and energy, we learn about energy. Our loyal friend who will help us lin this endeavour, is none other than the amazing Albert Einstein. "Albert could you tell me about energy? You are the expert, after all!" "Of course Wizard. Well I'm sure everyone has heard of my famous law stating that energy is equal to the product of mass and the speed of light squared. (E=mc2) This mathematical relationship states that energy is dependent on mass, and mass on energy. The more mass you have the more energy you have. Now exactly what is energy? I can't say, because we really don't have an exact definition of energy yet. What I can say though is that energy is the ability of an object to do work. Work meaning the object can do or move something a distance. There are many different types of energy in the universe, but the two main types of energy you will learn of are kinetic energy, and potential energy. Kinetic energy is the energy used to move things; while potential energy refers to the stored energy that can be translated into other forms of energy such as kinetic energy." "Stimulating. I've heard that you can't create or destroy energy. Is this true?" "Absolutely! Scientists believe that the total amount of energy in the universe is constant - no more can be added and no more can be removed. The only thing that can happen is the transformation of energy into different types of energy. This is how we get electricity. We transfer say the heat energy of steam from water into electrical energy by passing the steam though a turbine at high speeds." "Steamy info! Well Albert, I have one more question before I go. Is there a link between light and energy?" "Yes there is Wizard. You see (literally) light is a form of energy. We can transmit energy by transmitting light. This is how we get energy from the sun - via solar cells. The same goes for electromagnetic radiation. It too, is a form of energy, and it too, can be manipulated to transfer energy. Modern day applications of such devices include microwaves, televisions, and radios. So you see energy is around and in everyone of us. It's just like science!" "Thank you so very much Albert, you can expect a free hat in the mail!" "That won't be necessary…" "It is to me!" This concludes our voyage on light and energy. You can learn more about light and energy by 'following' the following links, or by sending us some e-mail. You can test your knowledge on light and energy by taking the quiz on the main menu. This is Willie the Wizard signing off, so until next time, keep learning, it will take you places!!!! 
If you think you have mastered the subject |
Light is a
form of intense energy