Energy Basics
Learn about the definition of energy, the forms that it comes in, and the difference between renewable and nonrenewable sources.
Energy Units Basics
How do we compare different types of fuels? One practical way is to convert the physical units of fuels, such as weight or volume, into British thermal units or "Btu." A Btu is a precise measure of the heat content of fuels.
Forms of Energy
Energy forms are either potential or kinetic. Potential energy comes in forms that are stored and includes chemical, gravitational, mechanical, and nuclear. Kinetic energy is energy in movement and includes electrical energy, heat, light, and sound.
Periodic Table
Coal, natural gas, and oil are hydrocarbons made up of hydrogen and carbon atoms. Learn more about hydrogen, carbon, and the other chemical elements in this standard periodic table.