Energy

is always with us.

Its form may change but never its supply

The first scientists to realize this fact were ignored and later laughed at by critics who were convinced that the use of energy diminished its supply. But today we know that the scientists were right. Here’s the fascinating story of the discovery of energy’s secrets in all its forms.

A good elementary physics book for younger readers, explaining the origin of the concept of energy, the First and Second Laws of Thermodynamics, and some of the technologies upon which we currently rely for our energy. Later books in the series, such as How Did We Find Out About Solar Power? and How Did We Find Out About Nuclear Power? draw on it. Older readers will find much of this same material, of course, in Asimov’s New Guide to Science and elsewhere.