Energy of Matter

Abstract

Energy of Matter introduces the reader to the classical (macroscopic) scientific view of energy. Scientists have traditionally defined energy as an ability to do work and have divided energy into two basic categories: kinetic energy and potential energy. Kinetic energy is the energy contained or exhibited by matter in motion. Potential energy represents energy stored in a material body or system as a consequence of its position, state, or shape. A coiled spring is an example of potential energy. Scientists often treat chemical energy, nuclear energy, electrical energy, and gravitational energy as various forms of potential energy.