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Quizzes > Science > Physics

Types of Energy Quiz: Test Your Knowledge and Skills

Get Charged With Our Energy Quiz for Kids: Explore Forms of Energy!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration showing pendulum spring and flame icons on teal background for types of energy quiz.

Ready to spark your curiosity with the ultimate Types of Energy Quiz? Whether you're prepping for a 6th grade energy quiz or a parent seeking an energizing energy quiz for kids, this free and fun energy types quiz tests your grasp of kinetic, potential, and thermal energy. Dive into interactive scenarios that show how energy transforms in everyday life - perfect for classroom or home use. Try our engaging types of energy quiz and explore more insights in the forms of energy quiz . Test your skills, boost your science smarts, and power up your learning - start now!

Which form of energy is directly related to the motion of an object?
Kinetic energy
Potential energy
Thermal energy
Chemical energy
Kinetic energy is the energy that an object possesses due to its motion. It depends on both the mass and the velocity of the object. This distinguishes it from potential energy, which depends on position. Wikipedia: Kinetic Energy
Energy stored by an object because of its position or configuration is known as what?
Potential energy
Thermal energy
Radiant energy
Electrical energy
Potential energy is stored energy based on an object’s position, arrangement, or state. Gravitational potential energy, for example, depends on height above a reference point. This is different from kinetic energy, which relates to motion. Wikipedia: Potential Energy
Which type of energy results from the random motion of atoms and molecules?
Thermal energy
Mechanical energy
Elastic energy
Nuclear energy
Thermal energy is the total internal kinetic energy of particles in a substance due to their random motion. As temperature increases, molecular motion and thermal energy increase. This form of energy differs from mechanical energy, which is macroscopic. Wikipedia: Thermal Energy
What type of energy is stored when a spring is stretched or compressed?
Elastic potential energy
Gravitational potential energy
Chemical energy
Thermal energy
Elastic potential energy is stored when materials like springs or rubber bands are deformed. It is released when the material returns to its original shape. This energy depends on the stiffness and displacement of the spring. Wikipedia: Elastic Potential Energy
Which form of energy is stored in the bonds of molecules?
Chemical energy
Electrical energy
Nuclear energy
Radiant energy
Chemical energy is stored in the bonds between atoms in molecules. During chemical reactions, these bonds break and form, releasing or absorbing energy. This is why food, fuels, and batteries are sources of chemical energy. Wikipedia: Chemical Energy
Radiant energy is carried by what kind of waves?
Electromagnetic waves
Sound waves
Seismic waves
Torsional waves
Radiant energy travels through space as electromagnetic waves, which include visible light, radio waves, and X-rays. It does not require a medium. This distinguishes it from mechanical waves like sound. Wikipedia: Electromagnetic Radiation
Which of the following is an example of kinetic energy?
A rolling bowling ball
A rock at the top of a hill
A stretched rubber band
Fuel in a car’s tank
A rolling bowling ball has kinetic energy because it is in motion. The faster it rolls and the more mass it has, the greater its kinetic energy. Objects at rest or stored energies are not kinetic. Khan Academy: Kinetic vs Potential
Which scenario best illustrates gravitational potential energy?
A book resting on a high shelf
Water boiling in a kettle
A moving conveyor belt
A charged battery
A book on a high shelf has gravitational potential energy due to its elevated position above the ground. If it falls, that energy converts into kinetic energy. This form depends on mass, height, and gravity. Wikipedia: Gravitational Potential Energy
What type of energy does a battery primarily store?
Chemical energy
Thermal energy
Elastic energy
Radiant energy
Batteries store energy chemically in internal electrochemical cells. When connected in a circuit, chemical reactions release electrons to do electrical work. This distinguishes them from thermal or elastic storage. Wikipedia: Battery (Electricity)
What form of energy is carried by sound waves?
Mechanical wave energy
Thermal energy
Chemical energy
Nuclear energy
Sound waves are mechanical waves that transfer energy through the vibration of particles in a medium. They require a medium like air or water to propagate. This is different from electromagnetic (radiant) energy. Wikipedia: Sound
Solar energy that reaches Earth is primarily what type?
Radiant energy
Thermal energy
Chemical energy
Nuclear energy
Solar energy arrives as electromagnetic radiation, including visible light and infrared. The Earth absorbs this radiant energy and some converts to thermal energy. It’s not chemical until processed by organisms. Wikipedia: Solar Energy
Geothermal energy is a form of which type of energy?
Thermal energy
Kinetic energy
Chemical energy
Electrical energy
Geothermal energy comes from the internal heat of the Earth, so it is thermal energy. It can be harnessed for heating or electricity. This is distinct from kinetic or chemical forms. Wikipedia: Geothermal Energy
Wind turbines convert wind’s what into electrical energy?
Kinetic energy
Potential energy
Chemical energy
Thermal energy
Wind is moving air, so it has kinetic energy. Turbines capture that motion and convert it to rotational mechanical energy, then to electricity. Potential energy is stored, not motion. Wikipedia: Wind Energy
Which of these is an example of chemical energy in everyday life?
Calories in food
A moving car
Hot steam
A stretched elastic band
Food calories represent chemical energy stored in molecular bonds. Our bodies break them down during metabolism to power activities. A moving car is kinetic, steam is thermal, and a stretched band is elastic. Wikipedia: Food Energy
What is the formula for calculating kinetic energy?
½mv²
mgh
F×d
mc²
The kinetic energy (KE) of a moving object is given by KE = ½mv², where m is mass and v is velocity. Gravitational potential energy uses mgh. E=mc² relates to mass-energy equivalence. Wikipedia: Kinetic Energy Formula
Which formula gives gravitational potential energy near Earth's surface?
mgh
½mv²
Fd
pV
Gravitational potential energy close to Earth is calculated by PE = mgh, where m is mass, g is acceleration due to gravity, and h is height. This linear relation holds for small height changes. Wikipedia: Gravitational Potential Energy
In a hydroelectric dam, which sequence of energy transformations is correct?
Potential ? Kinetic ? Electrical
Chemical ? Thermal ? Electrical
Radiant ? Thermal ? Mechanical
Electrical ? Kinetic ? Potential
Water stored at height has gravitational potential energy. When released, it flows and gains kinetic energy, turning turbines that generate electricity. Chemical or radiant sequences apply to other systems. Wikipedia: Hydroelectricity
What energy conversion occurs when you strike a match?
Chemical ? Thermal ? Radiant
Electrical ? Thermal ? Chemical
Radiant ? Chemical ? Kinetic
Thermal ? Chemical ? Radiant
Striking a match causes a chemical reaction in the match head, releasing thermal energy and light (radiant energy). No external electricity is involved. This differentiates it from other sequences. Wikipedia: Match (Fire Lighting)
Which outcome best describes friction between surfaces?
Mechanical energy ? Thermal energy
Thermal energy ? Chemical energy
Potential energy ? Electrical energy
Radiant energy ? Mechanical energy
Friction converts macroscopic mechanical energy into thermal energy at the interface of moving surfaces. This is why rubbing your hands together warms them. Wikipedia: Friction
In a hand-crank flashlight, which sequence of energy forms occurs?
Mechanical ? Electrical ? Radiant
Thermal ? Mechanical ? Electrical
Chemical ? Electrical ? Radiant
Radiant ? Mechanical ? Electrical
Turning the crank does mechanical work to spin a generator, producing electricity that powers the bulb’s radiant light. No chemical or thermal steps are primary in this device. Wikipedia: Dynamo
Which energy transformation takes place inside a toaster?
Electrical ? Thermal
Thermal ? Electrical
Chemical ? Electrical
Mechanical ? Chemical
A toaster uses electrical energy to heat resistive elements, generating thermal energy to toast bread. Energy does not convert back to electricity in normal operation. Wikipedia: Toaster
The energy released from splitting atomic nuclei is called what?
Nuclear energy
Chemical energy
Thermal energy
Radiant energy
Nuclear energy comes from fission (splitting) or fusion (combining) of atomic nuclei. It vastly exceeds typical chemical energy per mass of fuel. Wikipedia: Nuclear Energy
Which form of energy is associated with moving electric charges?
Electrical energy
Chemical energy
Nuclear energy
Potential energy
Electrical energy involves the flow of electrons or charges in conductors. It powers devices and can convert to other energy forms, such as light or heat. Wikipedia: Electric Power
Which mode of heat transfer requires no medium and travels through a vacuum?
Radiation
Conduction
Convection
Diffusion
Thermal radiation transfers heat by electromagnetic waves and can travel through a vacuum, as sunlight does. Conduction and convection require a medium. Wikipedia: Heat Transfer
Photosynthesis converts solar energy into what form?
Chemical energy
Thermal energy
Mechanical energy
Nuclear energy
Plants capture radiant solar energy and convert it into chemical energy stored in glucose molecules. This process powers ecosystems. Wikipedia: Photosynthesis
Which device stores electrical energy in an electric field?
Capacitor
Inductor
Resistor
Transformer
A capacitor stores energy by accumulating charge on two plates separated by a dielectric, creating an electric field. Inductors store in magnetic fields. Wikipedia: Capacitor
In chemical reactions, what is activation energy?
Minimum energy to start a reaction
Total energy released
Energy stored in bonds
Energy lost as heat
Activation energy is the energy barrier that reactants must overcome to form products. Catalysts lower this energy, speeding reactions. It is not the total energy change. Wikipedia: Activation Energy
Which form of energy is most closely related to the random motion of molecules?
Thermal energy
Radiant energy
Potential energy
Mechanical energy
Thermal energy is directly tied to the microscopic kinetic energy of particle motion within a substance. Increased motion raises temperature and thermal energy. Wikipedia: Thermal Energy
A 2 kg object moves at 10 m/s. What is its kinetic energy?
100 J
20 J
200 J
50 J
KE = ½mv² = 0.5×2 kg×(10 m/s)² = 100 J. This formula applies in classical mechanics for non-relativistic speeds. Wikipedia: Kinetic Energy Calculation
What is the gravitational potential energy of a 5 kg mass at 3 m above ground (g=9.8 m/s²)?
147 J
15 J
98 J
75 J
PE = mgh = 5 kg×9.8 m/s²×3 m = 147 J. This calculates energy due to height in a uniform gravitational field near Earth. Wikipedia: Gravitational Potential Energy Calculation
Which law states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed?
First law of thermodynamics
Second law of thermodynamics
Law of conservation of momentum
Law of diminishing returns
The first law of thermodynamics is the principle of conservation of energy in thermodynamic processes. It asserts that total energy remains constant. The second law addresses entropy. Wikipedia: First Law of Thermodynamics
In a perfectly elastic collision, what happens to kinetic energy?
It is conserved
It is lost as heat
It becomes potential energy
It decreases by half
An elastic collision conserves both momentum and kinetic energy. No energy is converted to heat or deformation. Real collisions are rarely perfectly elastic. Wikipedia: Elastic Collision
What does specific heat capacity measure?
Energy to raise 1 kg by 1 °C
Energy released by burning fuel
Thermal conductivity of a material
Pressure change per temperature change
Specific heat capacity is the amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of 1 kg of a substance by 1 °C. It’s intrinsic to the material. Wikipedia: Specific Heat Capacity
The second law of thermodynamics states what about heat flow?
Spontaneously from hot to cold
Spontaneously from cold to hot
Cannot flow without work
Is always reversible
The second law states that heat spontaneously flows from hotter to colder bodies, increasing entropy. Reverse flow requires external work. Wikipedia: Second Law of Thermodynamics
Which process involves no heat exchange with the surroundings?
Adiabatic
Isothermal
Isobaric
Isochoric
An adiabatic process occurs without heat transfer into or out of the system. Temperature can change due to work done. Isothermal keeps temperature constant via heat exchange. Wikipedia: Adiabatic Process
Enthalpy is defined as which quantity?
H = U + pV
H = U ? pV
H = U + mgh
H = ½mv² + U
Enthalpy H is a thermodynamic potential defined as internal energy U plus pressure times volume pV. It’s useful at constant pressure. Wikipedia: Enthalpy
The efficiency of a heat engine is defined as what ratio?
Work output / Heat input
Heat input / Work output
Heat output / Heat input
Work input / Heat input
Engine efficiency is the ratio of useful work performed to the heat absorbed from the source. Less than 100% due to entropy. Wikipedia: Thermal Efficiency
In a PV diagram, the work done by a gas during expansion equals what?
Area under the curve
Height of the curve
Pressure difference
Volume difference
For a pressure–volume diagram, work done by the gas is ?PdV, which graphically is the area under the curve. This applies to any quasi-static process. Wikipedia: Work (Thermodynamics)
Thermal radiation is best described as what?
Emission of electromagnetic waves by matter due to temperature
Transfer of heat by particle collisions
Movement of heat via fluid motion
Energy carried by photons only from the Sun
Thermal radiation is energy emitted as electromagnetic waves from all matter with a temperature above absolute zero. It does not require a medium. Wikipedia: Thermal Radiation
Which formula gives elastic potential energy in a spring?
½kx²
mgh
½mv²
kq?q?/r²
Elastic potential energy stored in a spring is ½kx², where k is the spring constant and x is the displacement. Other formulas apply to gravity or electric forces. Wikipedia: Elastic Potential Energy
In relativity, E=mc² represents which type of energy?
Rest energy
Kinetic energy
Potential energy
Thermal energy
E=mc² gives the rest energy of a mass m at rest, where c is the speed of light. It shows mass itself is a form of stored energy. Wikipedia: Mass–Energy Equivalence
What is zero-point energy in quantum mechanics?
Lowest possible energy of a quantum system
Energy at absolute zero including thermal motion
Maximum energy at infinite temperature
Energy required to create a particle–antiparticle pair
Zero-point energy is the lowest energy state of a quantum system, even at absolute zero temperature. It arises from quantum fluctuations. Wikipedia: Zero-Point Energy
In the photoelectric effect, incident photons must exceed what to eject electrons?
Work function of the material
Fermi energy
Band gap energy
Ionization energy of the electron
The photoelectric effect requires photon energy greater than the material’s work function to free electrons. Einstein explained this particle-like behavior of light. Wikipedia: Photoelectric Effect
Gibbs free energy (G) is defined as which expression?
G = H ? TS
G = U + TS
G = U + pV
G = H + TS
Gibbs free energy G = H ? TS, where H is enthalpy, T absolute temperature, and S entropy. It predicts spontaneity at constant pressure and temperature. Wikipedia: Gibbs Free Energy
In statistical mechanics, entropy S is given by which formula?
S = k ln ?
S = ?Q/T
S = U/T
S = H ? G
Boltzmann’s entropy formula is S = k ln ?, where ? is the number of microstates and k is Boltzmann’s constant. It links microscopic behavior to thermodynamic entropy. Wikipedia: Statistical Entropy
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand Core Energy Forms -

    Identify and define kinetic, potential, thermal, and chemical energy to build a solid foundation for energy concepts.

  2. Differentiate Kinetic and Potential Energy -

    Explain key differences between energy in motion and stored energy and recognize scenarios illustrating each type.

  3. Recognize Real-World Energy Examples -

    Analyze everyday situations to classify examples of thermal, chemical, kinetic, and potential energy in action.

  4. Apply Concepts in Quiz Questions -

    Use your understanding of energy types to accurately answer questions on the Types of Energy Quiz and reinforce your learning.

  5. Analyze Energy Scenarios -

    Evaluate a variety of scenarios to determine which forms of energy are present and how they transform.

  6. Assess and Improve Your Score -

    Review your quiz results to identify strengths and areas for improvement and track your progress in energy knowledge.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Kinetic Energy Basics -

    Kinetic energy is the energy of motion calculated by KE = ½mv², where m is mass in kg and v is velocity in m/s. Remember that doubling the speed quadruples the energy, a key concept often tested in the Types of Energy Quiz. Practicing with sample problems from Khan Academy or university physics workbook questions can boost your confidence.

  2. Gravitational Potential Energy -

    Potential energy stored by an object due to its height above the ground is PE = mgh, where g≈9.8 m/s². A handy mnemonic is "mighty high gives potential," reminding you mass, gravity, height. Try simple drop-and-catch experiments or energy quiz for kids to see this formula in action.

  3. Thermal Energy and Heat -

    Thermal energy relates to the random motion of particles and is often calculated by Q = mcΔT in chemistry classes, where m is mass, c specific heat, and ΔT temperature change. This concept appears in 6th grade energy quiz sections and can be practiced by measuring water heating times. Visualizing particle speed helps you ace the energy types quiz by linking theory to real-world cooking or weather phenomena.

  4. Chemical Energy in Reactions -

    Chemical energy is stored in molecular bonds and released or absorbed during reactions, such as combustion of fuels or cellular respiration. A useful tip is to think "break bonds, release energy; form bonds, store energy," which aligns with chemistry or biology energy quiz questions. Reviewing endothermic vs exothermic processes on educational sites like PBS LearningMedia sharpens your understanding.

  5. Energy Conversion and Conservation -

    The Law of Conservation of Energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed between forms like kinetic, potential, thermal, or chemical. Practicing with energy flow diagrams (e.g., roller coaster or hydroelectric dam examples) is a fun prep for the forms of energy quiz. Being able to trace energy through each step ensures you feel ready and confident!

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