Energy transformation or conversion is the change of energy from one form to another. One of the most common energy conversions involves the changing of potential energy to kinetic energy or vice versa, kinetic energy to potential energy. However, other forms of energy can also be converted.
(1) Energy transformation = energy changing from one form to another Conversion = transformation Most common conversion = Potential → Kinetic Forms of energy: 1. Light 4. Chemical 2. Mechanical 5. Heat 3. Electrical 6. sound
2) For example, the light energy from the sun can be converted directly into electrical energy. Additionally, plants use the light energy from the sun and convert it to stored chemical energy.
Example transformation = (2) Light energy = sun, fire, electronic devices Example transformation = Sunlight → plant has photosynthesis → plant grows (chemical energy) (mechanical energy)
3) Chemical energy is when bonds holding atoms together are broken 3) Chemical energy is when bonds holding atoms together are broken. Energy is released as the bonds break. For example, when you burn a fuel (like coal) the chemical energy is release to create heat, light and mechanical energy. Other examples of chemical energy include a battery, wood, energy stored in your body.
(3) Chemical energy = chemical bonds broken comes from: food, batteries, wood, plants, fossil fuels, Example transformation: Coal → turbine turning → electricity created (chemical) (mechanical) (electrical)
4) Mechanical energy is energy of matter in motion 4) Mechanical energy is energy of matter in motion. Some examples of mechanical energy include water falling, wind blowing, sound, and the blood flowing through your veins.
(4) Mechanical energy = moving energy comes from: moving water, wind blowing, sound, people moving Example transformation: Flip a switch → circuit closed → light on (mechanical) (electrical) (light)
5) All matter is made up of atoms that are constantly moving 5) All matter is made up of atoms that are constantly moving. The internal motion of the atoms is called heat or thermal energy. The faster the particles move, the more heat energy is produced. When you rub your hands together (mechanical energy) heat energy is produced. Thermal energy changes the state of matter of substances. Heat moves in waves.
5) Heat energy = moving atoms comes from : sun, fire, moving objects, electrical objects Ex. Transformation: Rub hands → heat (mechanical) (heat)
6) Electrical energy is caused by moving electric charges 6) Electrical energy is caused by moving electric charges. Electrical energy causes there to be sound energy from your CD player, heat energy from your hair dryer, and light energy from your lamps. Often a whole series of energy conversions is needed to do a particular job.
(6) Electrical energy: moving electrons comes from: power plants, batteries, anything electrical Ex. Transformation: heat light Turbine → energy made → TV on sound (mechanical) (electrical) (electrical)
7) Sound energy is a vibration or wave of air molecules caused by the motion of an object. Sound waves require some kind of material to travel through. They can't move through a vacuum. Sound waves move much slower then light. Sound waves are like heat conduction. No particles actually travel.
Sound waves = energy moving in waves and vibrating. Comes from: anything making sound in a gas or liquid. Ex. Transformation: Battery in ipod ipod on music plays (chemical) (electrical) (sound)