Name Date Energy Transformations Slide 2 The change

Name: _____________ Date: _______ Energy Transformations (Slide 2) • The change of energy from one form to another • All forms of energy and energy transformations can be traced back to the energy from the Sun • Energy transformations constantly occur around us • Energy is measured in units called Joules (J) • Example - A rollercoaster converts potential energy into kinetic energy as it moves down a hill Law of Conservation of Energy (Slide 3) • Energy cannot be created or destroyed • Energy can be transformed into other forms of energy • Gravity, friction, air resistance, and other forces are often involved in energy transformations • Example - Energy is not lost while bowling. Energy is simply transferred from the ball to the pins. Example 1 – Hair Dryer (Slide 4) • A hair dryer plugs into an outlet and uses electrical energy • Electrical energy is transformed into thermal energy and used to heat a wire coil • A small motor uses mechanical energy to move the air out of the hair dryer; the motor also generates sound energy as it works • Energy Transformations - Electrical Thermal Mechanical and Sound Example 2 – Campfire (Slide 5) • A campfire uses chemical energy stored within wood • Chemical energy is transformed into thermal energy and radiant (light) energy from the flame that is produced • Energy Transformations - Chemical Thermal and Radiant Example 3 – Nuclear Power Plant (Slide 6) • Nuclear fission (splitting an atom’s nucleus) produces thermal energy which changes water into steam • The steam is used to produce mechanical energy to spin a turbine • Mechanical energy is converted into electrical energy by a generator • Energy Transformations - Nuclear Thermal Mechanical Electrical

Example 4 – Guitar (Slide 7) • A guitar requires mechanical energy from a person’s hand to run across the strings of the guitar • Mechanical energy is transformed into sound energy as the strings of the guitar begin to vibrate • Energy Transformations - Mechanical Sound Example 5 – Solar Panels (Slide 8) • Solar panels use radiant (light) energy from the Sun • Radiant energy is collected by the solar panels and converted into electrical energy • Solar panels will even generate electricity on a cloudy day • Energy Transformations - Radiant Electrical Checkpoint (Slides 9 -14) Question 1: Describe the energy transformations that occur within the Sun. Nuclear energy within the Sun is transformed into radiant (light) energy and thermal energy. Question 2: Identify the energy transformations that occur when you rub your hands together quickly. Mechanical energy transforms into thermal (heat) energy. Question 3: Explain how Newton’s cradle demonstrates the law of conservation of energy. Energy is not created or destroyed. Potential energy is transformed into kinetic energy and sound is produced. This process continues until gravity, air resistance, and friction cause Newton’s cradle to be motionless. Question 4: Identify 2 different objects that transform chemical energy into mechanical energy. Answers will vary. Ex. – Lawnmower, car, motorcycle, battery operated toy that moves (remote control car) Question 5: Choose 1 object in the room. Describe the energy transformations that occur. Answers will vary. Ex. – Computer – electrical energy is transformed into radiant, thermal, and sound energy.