Name _________________________________________________ Date ___________________

The sun is our main source of heat and light energy. A source is where something comes from.
The heat we feel and the light we see here on Earth is mainly from our nearest star, the sun. There are,
however, other sources of heat and light energy. Lightbulbs, microwaves, and fire are other sources of
heat and light energy. Heat energy and light energy are closely related. Many times, heat energy is present
when there is light energy.

Fig. 1

Lightbulbs and microwaves are two sources of light and heat energy.

How do you know if light energy is present? Most of us know there is light energy because we can
see light. We see the sun rise in the morning, and we see its light shine. When we turn on the lights in the
classroom, we see the light from the lightbulbs. A microwave has a light that comes on when it is heating
our food. When the power goes out during a storm, some people like to light candles. Candles provide
light energy for us to see in the dark.

Fig. 2 The candle wax melts when the fire is lit. This is
evidence that proves heat energy is present.

In many of these examples of light energy, heat energy is also present. What evidence would show
you that heat energy is present when the sun is shining? When the sun is shining on you, do you feel
hotter? Yes, because the sun is a source of heat energy and light energy. Have you ever been close to a
lightbulb that has been on for a while? You probably noticed that the lightbulb was giving off heat energy.
Don’t touch the lightbulb, because it gets hot when it is turned on! We, of course, know that a microwave
is used to heat our food. So when the light turns on inside of the microwave, heat energy is also present. A
fire is another obvious source of heat energy. You were taught never to play with fire because it can burn
you.

Friction is another source of heat energy. Friction is created when two objects are rubbed together.
Try rubbing your hands together as fast as you can. What happens? You should notice that your hands get
hotter because friction creates heat energy. One thing that is not a heat source is your clothes. Your
clothes keep you warm, but they do not give off heat. The clothes keep you warm by trapping the heat
from your body.
Fig. 3
Friction is a source of heat energy. This is why people
rub their hands together when they are cold.

©AccuTeach Standard: S2P1. Identify sources and use of energy http://www.AccuTeach.com

Name _________________________________________________ Date ___________________

Comprehension Questions: Heat and Light Energy

1. What is the Earth’s main source of heat and light energy?
a. The Moon b. A lightbulb c. The Sun d. A fire

2. A source is _________________________________________________________________________.

3. Name a source of light that you could use if the power in your house goes out. ____________________

4. Explain how fire is a source of heat energy and light energy. __________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

5. How do you know if heat energy is present in a candle? State the evidence you can see in Fig. 2.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

6. Which example is a source of heat energy but not light energy?

a. The Sun b. friction c. a lightbulb d. fire

7. According to Fig. 3, why do people rub their hands together when they are cold? __________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

8. True or false? Your clothes are a source of heat energy.

9. According to the article, how do clothes keep you warm? ____________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

10. Name one more source of heat and one more source of light not mentioned in the article.

Heat source: ___________________________ Light source: ________________________________

11. Name three things that are a source of both heat and light energy.

____________________________, ____________________________, ___________________________

©AccuTeach Standard: S2P1. Identify sources and use of energy http://www.AccuTeach.com

Name _________________________________________________ Date ___________________

Comprehension Questions: Heat and Light Energy – Answer Key

1. What is the Earth’s main source of heat and light energy?
a. The Moon b. A lightbulb c. The Sun d. A fire

2. A source is ___where something comes from___________________________.

3. Name a source of light that you could use if the power in your house goes out. __candles, flashlight _

4. Explain how fire is a source of heat energy and light energy. __________________________________

__________Fire gives off light and heat when it burns______________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

5. How do you know if heat energy is present in a candle? State the evidence you can see in Fig. 2.

_________________The candle melts from the heat of the fire.________________________

6. Which example is a source of heat energy but not always light energy?
a. The Sun b. friction c. a lightbulb d. fire

7. According to Fig. 3, why do people rub their hands together when they are cold? ______________

___________Rubbing your hands together creates heat energy so your hands get hotter. _____________

8. True or false? Your clothes are a source of heat energy.

9. According to the article, how do clothes keep you warm? ____________________________________

______________________ Your clothes trap your body heat in so you stay warm._________________

10. Name one more source of heat and one more source of light not mentioned in the article.

Heat source: ___stove, oven, heater, etc___ Light source:_computer, overhead projector, flashlight, etc__

11. Name three things that are a source of both heat and light energy.

_______sun________, _____________fire___________, ________microwave___________________

©AccuTeach Standard: S2P1. Identify sources and use of energy http://www.AccuTeach.com