Energy is found in many forms. Coal is a form of energy---We burn natural gas so we can cook our food which we eat to give us energy. Sunlight is a form of energy---Plants absorb the sun's energy in order to grow. All forms of energy fall into one of two categories: potential energy or kinetic energy. While there is only one kind of kinetic energy, there are three common kinds of potential energy – nuclear, electric, and gravitational.

POTENTIAL ENERGY

KINETIC ENERGY

Potential energy is stored energy. A roller coaster sitting at the top of the track has potential energy. Coal has potential energy because we need to do something to it in order to access its energy.

Kinetic energy is the energy of motion. A roller coaster zooming down the track has kinetic energy. Sunlight has kinetic energy because light waves are constantly in motion and can be absorbed.