Wind is energy created by moving air. Wind comes from the Sun because the Sun heats up air unevenly. Because of the pressure differences, the warmer air moves over the colder air, which creates wind. The most common way we use wind to get energy is in wind turbines (pictured left). When wind blows a wind turbine, the blades on the turbine spin. When the blades spin, the blades turn a generator inside the turbine which creates electricity for us to use to turn on lights or run a computer. Wind is kinetic energy because the air is moving. It is also renewable because wind occurs almost infinitely. Wind is mechanical energy because its energy comes directly from its motion. If wind didn't move, wind turbines would be useless. It wouldn't even be considered wind! Some advantages for wind power is that wind is renewable, so we don't have to worry about it running out. However, wind turbines are tall and take up a lot of space. They also are not the prettiest structures and some people might be annoyed if an there is an enormous wind turbine near them. They also are kind of loud which makes them impractical in heavily populated areas.
The diagram to the left shows an example of a wind energy transformation. First, the sun (radiant energy)heats up air randomly, which causes pressure differences (thermal energy). Pressure differences cause wind. When it's windy, a wind turbine spins and sends electricity to the power lines. The transformation is mechanical energy being converted to electrical energy. Then, the electricity goes to someone's house through power lines. The person is putting a bagel in the toaster oven, which is plugged into an electrical outlet. In the toaster, electrical energy is being converted to thermal energy so the bagel can be toasted.