Our bodies require energy to power our vital functions as well as support extracurricular activities on a day-to-day basis. Our energy is taken from the foods we eat, with certain types of food offering more energy than others do. Carbohydrates, for instance, provide a short-term energy boost because they break down fast and enter the blood stream quicker than other foods. Proteins provide energy for cell manufacturing and fats provide a long-term source of energy. Active adults require about 3,000 calories a day while sedentary adults need only about 2,000.
Wind turbines harness the kinetic energy of wind flow to generate mechanical power or electricity. The motion energy from wind turns the blades of the turbine, which generates electricity from connections to a shaft and generator.
Electricity is created from energy sources such as kinetic energy, solar energy and even piezoelectric energy. Electronic devices take advantage of electric power through alternating current power. AC power generators use the constant motion of a coiled conductive wire called an armature to create an electrical current that alternates position relative to the magnetic field. AC power adapters and transformers utilize particular amounts of voltage from local electric sources to power devices such as HDTVs, smartphones and video gaming systems.
Thinking of energy and guns in the same thought usually conjures up images of futuristic weaponry blasting off lasers and plasma beams. Energy, however, takes on different forms as noted in the Electronics section. Guns, for instance, are powered by compressed gas within the barrel that transfers its energy to the bullet. The gas is set into motion by a small combustion of gunpowder; the subsequent energy transfers itself within the gun to propel the bullet to the high speeds necessary to pierce even the thickest armor.