Things You Thought You Knew – What is Energy?
StarTalk Radio
00:00
The Origins and Understanding of Energy
Energy is not a tangible object, but a concept that was initially difficult to understand. Early ideas suggested that energy could move in and out of objects, with terms like logistin and caloric being invented to represent this concept. However, it wasn't until the discovery of molecules and atoms that a deeper understanding of energy emerged. Energy can be stored in various ways and is not apparent when it is being stored. A roller coaster serves as a simple example of energy conversion, with the initial ascent providing potential gravitational energy that is later converted to kinetic energy as it descends.
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