Energy is the capacity to do work. The six basic types of energy are mechanical,
heat, light, chemical, electromagnetic, and nuclear, and may appear in a variety of
forms (Figure 2-4). Energy is a vast and complex aspect of physics beyond the
scope of this manual. Consequently, this chapter only covers a few aspects of light,
heat, and mechanical energy because of their unusual effects underwater and their
impact on diving.
Figure 2-4. The Six Form of Energy.
|
The Law of the Conservation of Energy, formulated in
the 1840s, states that energy in the universe can neither be created nor destroyed.
Energy can be changed, however, from one form to another.
The two general classifications of energy are potential
energy and kinetic energy. Potential energy is due to position. An automobile
parked on a hill with its brakes set possesses potential energy. Kinetic energy is
energy of motion. An automobile rolling on a flat road possesses kinetic energy
while it is moving.
