Energy Transformations

Energy Transformations Energy is continually changing from one form to another. These changes from one energy form to another are called transformations.

Tracking Energy TransformationsThree energy transformations:

The Biker • Leg muscles transform Chemical energy into Kinetic – some of it is transferred to the bike • As he goes up the hill, some of this energy changes to potential • As his body gets warmer the chemical energy is turned into thermal • * Thermal energy is always one of the products of an energy transformation

Law of Conservation of Energy Energy can neither be created nor destroyed – it can only be changed!

Changing Kinetic & Potential • The tossed baseball example uses both kinetic and potential • The Mechanical Energy of an object is the SUM of the object’s potential and kinetic energy; so the mechanical energy of the ball remained constant as it rose into the and then fell back down • Friction can cause mechanical energy to decrease (ex. Sliding book)

Using Chemical Energy • Food • Muscle Use

Using Thermal Energy • All forms of energy can be transformed into thermal energy • Burns • Electric Wires • Heat buildings • Thermal energy will always move from a warmer material to a cooler one • Conduction, Convection and Radiation

Using Radient Energy • A sun tan- radient energy is from the Sun is transferred into chemical energy on your skin and you get darker • Visible light produces energy you can see • Radient can also be transferred into electrical (X-rays, gamma rays)

Using Electrical Energy • One of the most useful forms of energy • Electrical is converted into radient to provide us with light • Converted into thermal to heat up homes/buildings • Converted into kinetic to make electric motors move

Electrical Energy • A generator is a device that is used to convert kinetic energy into electrical energy • Burning fossil fuels produces thermal energy that is used to boil water and produce steam • In a power plant, steam is used to spin a turbine which then spins an electric generator

Organized and Disorganized Energy • Energy cannot be created nor destroyed – however the more we use it the less useful energy we have available • Useful energy that is organized and concentrated in a certain area does not spread out • Energy that is spread out, like waste thermal energy, is disorganized energy • The amount of disorganized energy in the universe is always increasing

Energy Transformations