Chapter 11, Problem 99A

To determine

Description and research about the objects which are moving and the energy stored due to the interaction between them.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

The energy can be classified into two types: kinetic as well as potential.

Kinetic energy is the one that is associated with the motion of the objects while, potential energy is the one that is associated with the position of the objects.

Both of these energies can be further classified as:

Kinetic energy can be classified into: electrical, light, solar energies.

1. Electrical energy is basically the movement of electrons, which is why it comes under the classification of kinetic energy as it involves the motion of electrons.
2. Light energy, also referred as radiant energy comes under the category of kinetic energy because of its motion. By calculation, as photons has no mass, so the total energy becomes equal to the kinetic energy.
3. Solar energy is generated from the vibrations of atoms and molecules of the substance. The faster the motion, the more energy they produce.

Potential energy can be classified as: nuclear, biological, chemical energies.

1. Nuclear energy is the form of potential energy because in this case, the energy is stored in the nucleus of an atom. It can be released in two ways: fission and fusion.
2. Biological energy is nothing but the reference of chemical potential. It is the exchange of reactions which take place within the compartments of matter (living).
3. Chemical energy is the potential that is stored in the bonds of atoms and molecules. Such particles are held together by chemical energy.

The objects which are moving and the energy stored due to interactions between them:

1. Lightning: electric discharge occurs between the cloud and the ground.
2. Electric bulb: movement of electrons produces electricity which causes the wire to glow hence generating light energy.
3. Window panes: captures the sunlight to heat up the house hence, using solar energy.
4. Nuclear power plant: energy is stored due to the strong nuclear interaction of neutrons and protons.
5. Biological energy: energy is stored in the form of chemical covalent bonds by the energy rich molecules.
6. Coal and petroleum: an electrostatic attraction between electrons in orbital and protons in nucleus forms the chemical bond, which are called the intramolecular forces that hold them together.

Conclusion:

Hence, the various types of energy can be explained in terms of kinetic as well as potential energy. Also, the interactions between them as explained above.