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We use energy constantly – when we're awake, when we're asleep, no matter what we're doing. We tend to take for granted how easy it is for us to obtain the energy required to power devices, appliances, tools, machines, vehicles, and all the things we use throughout the day and night. But how is energy stored so that it's available when we need it?

Let's delve into this topic to understand the basics of this magical concept better.

What Is Energy & How Is It Stored?

If we revisit our memory of high school physics, we may recall that energy is the ability to do work. Energy is the ability of any force to do work. There are many forms of energy, but they can all be categorized into one of two major groups: kinetic energy or potential energy.

Forms of energy

To understand the difference between the two, science teachers often use the example of a rock. A rock that is rolling down a hill has kinetic energy that it could impart to something if it crashed into it. Kinetic energy is the energy of motion.

A rock positioned at the edge of a steep hill has the potential to roll, so we consider that potential energy conserved in the rock.

Electric energy or electricity falls into the category of kinetic energy. Why? Because all electrical energy is in motion. Electrical energy, however, can be converted into other forms of energy we can store. Let's find out how this works!

energy storage dam

While not a rock, water behind a dam is stored potential gravitational energy.

Can You Store Electrical Energy?