Is Energy a Substance, a Location, or a Blend of Both? Ontological Metaphors for Energy in Physics

Intuitive reasoning and communication about abstract science concepts such as energy are often achieved through the use of ontological metaphors: metaphors about what kind of entity something is. Both students and experts can productively coordinate multiple metaphors for energy, particularly energy as a substance and energy as a vertical location. This coordination can take the form of thinking of energy as a substance in some situations and as a vertical location in others, but it can also take the form of a blended ontology that incorporates both. We look at examples of how this blending is manifested in student and expert reasoning about energy, and explore the relevance for physics instruction, particularly in facilitating interdisciplinary connections.