Properties of energy: Everything you need to know about its conservation and transformation

Energy is a fundamental property present in the universe. It is conserved, which implies that its total amount remains constant even if it changes shape. It can also be transformed, going from one type to another, such as kinetic energy to potential energy.

Additionally, it can be transferred between different bodies, such as in collisions between objects. Finally, energy tends to degrade, turning into less usable forms, such as heat. There are various types of energy, such as mechanical, internal, electrical, thermal, electromagnetic, chemical and nuclear, each with specific characteristics.

These properties and types of energy have practical applications in different areas, such as agriculture, industry, medicine, the environment and cultural heritage.

It is also important to mention that there are diverse energy sources, from electricity to renewable energies, and that education around energy is essential to understand how it works.

Energy, as a fundamental property, has a series of characteristics that define it and make it unique in the universe. Next, we will discover the main properties of energy and how they manifest themselves in different forms and contexts.

One of the fundamental properties of energy is its conservation. This means that the total amount of energy in the universe remains constant over time, although it can change form.

In other words, energy is neither created nor destroyed, but rather transformed from one type to another. For example, the kinetic energy of a moving object can be converted to potential energy when it is raised to a certain height.

Another important property of energy is its ability to transform. This means that energy can change from one type to another, adapting to the needs and conditions of the system in which it is located.

For example, electrical energy can be transformed into thermal energy in an electrical resistance, or nuclear energy can be converted into electrical energy in a nuclear power plant.

Energy can also be transferred from one body to another, meaning it can move from one object to another or from one system to another. This energy transfer can occur in different ways, such as in the case of one ball hitting another in a game of pool.

During transfer, energy can change form and be used to do work, generate heat, or produce different effects in the receiving system.

The study of energy leads us to recognize the existence of different types, each with unique characteristics and applications in the world around us. Below is a description of some of these types of energy and how they manifest:

Kinetic energy is related to movement. The greater the speed and mass of an object, the greater its kinetic energy. On the other hand, potential energy refers to the energy stored in an object due to its position or state. An example of potential energy is the gravitational energy of an object in an elevated position.

Electrical energy is a form of energy caused by the movement of electrically charged particles, such as electrons. It is the basis for many of the devices and systems we use every day, such as lighting, appliances, and communication systems.

Thermal energy refers to the energy associated with the temperature of an object or substance. It is the energy that is released or absorbed when a change in temperature occurs. Thermal energy is essential in many processes and applications, from heating and cooling to power generation in thermal power plants.

Electromagnetic energy comes in the form of electromagnetic waves, such as visible light, radio waves and x-rays. These waves transport energy through space and are used in a wide range of applications and technologies, including broadcasting, wireless communications and solar energy generation.

Chemical energy is stored in the bonds between atoms and molecules. When chemical reactions occur, these bonds are broken and new bonds are formed, releasing or absorbing energy in the process. Chemical energy is used in numerous processes, such as food digestion, fuel combustion, and energy production in cells and batteries.

Nuclear energy refers to the energy released during nuclear reactions, whether in the form of nuclear fission (splitting of the nucleus) or nuclear fusion (uniting nuclei).

It is a very powerful form of energy and is used in the generation of nuclear energy, although it also has applications in medicine and scientific research. These are just some examples of the types of energy that exist in our environment. Each of them has different properties and characteristics, but all of them are fundamental to understanding the functioning of the universe and its application in various areas of modern life.

Energy transfer is a fundamental phenomenon that occurs in various contexts. It allows energy to move from one body to another, generating changes in both.

Work is a common form of energy transfer. It occurs when a force acts on an object and causes a displacement in the direction of the applied force.

In this process, energy is transferred from the agent doing the work to the object being worked on. For example, when we lift an object, we apply a force and transfer gravitational potential energy to the object.

Waves are also another form of energy transfer. They propagate through a medium, transporting energy from one place to another without the need for a physical movement of matter. A common example is visible light, a form of electromagnetic energy that is transferred via waves from a light source to our eyes.

The transfer of energy in the form of heat occurs due to the temperature difference between two bodies. Heat flows spontaneously from the body with higher temperature to the body with lower temperature.

This transfer can occur by conduction, where heat is transmitted through a solid material, by convection, where heat moves in a fluid, or by radiation, where heat is transferred through electromagnetic waves.

Energy plays a fundamental role in the agricultural sector, where it is used for various activities. Among them, the use of agricultural machinery driven by mechanical energy stands out, such as tractors and combines, which speed up and facilitate planting, cultivation and harvesting tasks.

In addition, electrical energy is used in automated irrigation systems, allowing more efficient water management and improving crop yields. Likewise, thermal energy is used in the processing and preservation of food, through drying, refrigeration and heating systems in storage chambers.

Industry is one of the main sectors that demands large amounts of energy. In this area, electrical energy is used for the operation of machinery, equipment and lighting systems. Likewise, thermal energy is used in heating, evaporation and steam generation processes, necessary in various industrial processes.

In addition, mechanical energy is used in the production and movement of objects and materials using conveyors and specialized machinery. The implementation of renewable energies in the industry is increasingly relevant to reduce the environmental impact and achieve greater sustainability in the sector.

Energy plays an essential role in the field of medicine, allowing numerous procedures and treatments to be carried out. For example, electrical energy is used in medical equipment such as defibrillators, electrocardiographs, and neuromuscular stimulation equipment.

Likewise, thermal energy is used in therapeutic applications such as cryotherapy and thermotherapy. Electromagnetic energy, in the form of ionizing radiation (X-rays) and non-ionizing radiation (ultrasound), is essential in medical diagnosis and treatment techniques. Chemical energy also has applications in medicines and drugs used in different treatments.

Energy plays a relevant role in the protection and conservation of the environment. The use of renewable energies, such as solar and wind, is encouraged as cleaner and more sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels. These energy sources are used mainly for the generation of electricity, thus reducing the emission of greenhouse gases and mitigating climate change.

In addition, energy efficiency is promoted in different sectors, optimizing the use of energy and reducing consumption. Environmental awareness and education regarding the responsible use of energy are essential to preserve our natural environment.

Energy also plays an important role in the preservation and conservation of cultural heritage. The lighting, air conditioning and security systems of museums and historical buildings require electrical energy for their proper functioning.

It is essential to guarantee a stable and efficient energy supply, as well as implement energy saving and efficiency measures to minimize the impact on heritage elements. In addition, clean energy techniques are used in the restoration and maintenance of works of art and historical buildings, taking care of their integrity and prolonging their useful life.