Science Learning Hub logo
TopicsConceptsCitizen scienceTeacher PLDGlossary
Sign in
Image

Energy conservation and energy transfer

Four images representing Energy conservation and energy transfer: Tomato plants growing, fire, hand holding a wooded clothes peg and cyclist diagram

Energy does not disappear when we use it. It changes from one form to another.

For example, plants use energy from the Sun to produce glucose, which is stored as chemical (potential) energy. Chemical energy stored in wood (fuel) is converted and released as thermal and radiant (kinetic) energy. Chemical energy in our bodies is converted to kinetic energy to power our muscles and mechanical energy to power the bike.

Glossary

Rights: The University of Waikato Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato
Published: 24 September 2019Updated: 12 January 2026Size: 4.29 MB
Referencing Hub media

Explore related content

Appears inRelated resources
Conservation of energy

Article

Conservation of energy

What is energy? The standard definition of energy is the capacity to do work, which describes what energy can do ...

Read more
Heat energy

Article

Heat energy

Most of us use the word ‘heat’ to mean something that feels warm, but science defines heat as the flow ...

Read more
What is energy?

Article

What is energy?

This is both a simple and complex question. Energy is in everything – it is often described as ‘the ability ...

Read more
Unlocking the energy in foods

Article

Unlocking the energy in foods

The foods we eat supply the energy needed by the body to drive its complex chemical, mechanical and electrical systems. ...

Read more

See our newsletters here.

NewsEventsAboutContact usPrivacyCopyrightHelp

The Science Learning Hub Pokapū Akoranga Pūtaiao is funded through the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment's Science in Society Initiative.

Science Learning Hub Pokapū Akoranga Pūtaiao © 2007-2026 The University of Waikato Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato