Which form of energy includes the energy carried by electromagnetic waves?

The form of energy that includes the energy carried by electromagnetic waves is radiant energy. Radiant energy is the energy of electromagnetic radiation, which encompasses a wide range of waves, including visible light, infrared, ultraviolet, X-rays, and radio waves. These waves can travel through a vacuum and carry energy with them, making radiant energy distinct in its ability to propagate through space.

Understanding that radiant energy includes phenomena like sunlight and other forms of electromagnetic radiation helps clarify its significance in various applications, such as solar energy technologies and communication through radio waves. The movement of these waves and their ability to induce effects, such as heating or causing chemical reactions (like photosynthesis), is a crucial aspect of radiant energy.

In contrast, thermal energy refers to the internal energy present in a system due to the kinetic energy of its particles. Chemical energy is stored in the bonds of molecules and is released during chemical reactions. Potential energy relates to the position or arrangement of objects, often associated with gravitational or elastic forces. While all these forms of energy are important in different contexts, they do not directly encompass the energy carried specifically by electromagnetic waves as radiant energy does.