Which form of Energy is a Solid? — Reading Comprehension

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This science passage for middle school students explores the core concepts of energy, defining it as the ability to do work. It focuses on the distinction between potential (stored) and kinetic (motion) energy, providing relatable examples like a roller coaster. The passage then delves into how solid objects are not a form of energy themselves but are crucial for storing it. It explains different types of energy storage in solids, including chemical energy in fuels like wood and coal, elastic potential energy in objects like springs, and thermal energy through molecular vibration. The text also connects these concepts to real-world applications such as batteries and flywheels, making the abstract concept of energy tangible and relevant to students. This content aligns with NGSS standards related to the relationship between energy and matter.

CONTENT PREVIEW

An illustration depicting a solid object storing various forms of energy. A cutaway view of the solid shows glowing lines representing chemical bonds, and vibrating particles indicating thermal energy. A compressed spring nearby represents elastic potential energy. — Solid object, such as a battery, stores different forms of energy, including chemical and elastic potential energy.

Energy is a fundamental concept in science, defined as the ability to do work or cause change. It is not something we can hold or see, but we observe its effects all the time, such as a car moving or a light bulb glowing. All energy exists in one of two main states: potential energy, which is stored energy, and kinetic energy, which is the energy of motion. These two forms are constantly being converted back and forth. For example, a roller coaster at the top of a hill has maximum potential energy, which converts into kinetic energy as it rushes down the track.

While the phrase "a solid is a form of energy" is not scientifically accurate, solids are excellent at storing energy. The atoms and molecules that make up a solid are locked into a fixed structure, but they are not completely still. They vibrate and oscillate in place. This stored energy is often a form of chemical, elastic, or thermal energy. For instance, the chemical energy in a piece of wood is stored in the bonds between its atoms. When the wood is burned, these bonds break, releasing this stored energy as heat and light. This is a crucial concept behind fuels like coal and biomass.

Another example of a solid storing energy is through elastic potential energy. When a solid object, like a compressed spring or a stretched rubber band, is deformed, it stores energy. This energy is a result of the forces that hold the material together being pushed or pulled out of their natural position. Releasing the spring or rubber band allows this stored energy to be converted into kinetic energy, causing the object to move. Solids also store thermal energy. The faster the atoms and molecules in a solid vibrate, the more thermal energy it contains. This is why a metal spoon gets hot when placed in boiling water—the rapid-moving water molecules transfer their thermal energy to the spoon's vibrating atoms.

In the modern world, solids are essential for storing energy in ways that power our technology. Batteries, which are a common example, store chemical energy in solid materials. When a battery is used, a chemical reaction occurs, converting the stored chemical energy into electrical energy that powers a device. Even the kinetic energy of a moving solid can be harnessed. The spinning wheel of a flywheel, for example, stores rotational kinetic energy. This stored energy can then be used to power a generator, converting the kinetic energy back into electricity.

Fun Fact: A diamond is a solid form of carbon, and the immense pressure under which it forms gives it an incredibly high density of chemical energy. It is technically possible to burn a diamond, but the temperature required is extremely high.

What is the scientific definition of energy?

The state of being solid.The ability to do work.The movement of atoms.The mass of an object.

What are the two main states of energy described in the passage?

Thermal and chemical.Light and sound.Potential and kinetic.Electrical and mechanical.

A compressed spring stores which type of energy?

Kinetic energy.Thermal energy.Elastic potential energy.Chemical energy.

According to the passage, why is a piece of wood a good example of stored energy?

It is a solid and therefore stores energy naturally.Its atoms are vibrating rapidly.Energy is stored in the bonds between its atoms.It can be stretched to store energy.

How does a metal spoon gain thermal energy when placed in boiling water?

Its atoms start to move from place to place.Rapidly moving water molecules transfer energy to the spoon's atoms.The spoon's chemical bonds are broken.The spoon absorbs elastic potential energy from the water.

Based on the passage, what is the best description of a flywheel?

A solid that stores thermal energy.A device that stores rotational kinetic energy.A type of battery that stores chemical energy.A fuel source like coal or wood.

The main idea of this passage is to explain:

the different states of matter.how to convert energy into solids.the various forms of energy and how solids store them.the difference between a battery and a flywheel.

If you wind up a toy car and then release it, the car moves. This is an example of:

Chemical energy converting to thermal energy.Elastic potential energy converting to kinetic energy.A solid's atoms vibrating faster.Kinetic energy converting to potential energy.