Have you seen an energy transfer/

transformation today?

Emily P.December 16, 2011

IntroductionEnergy is the ability to cause changes in matterEnergy can transform or change from one form to

anotherEnergy transfers are taking place all around youLets learn about the different types of energy so

we can spot the energy that is being transferred

Types of EnergyPotential energy

Energy of an object because of a positionKinetic energy

Energy of an object because of motion

Mechanical energyTotal energy because of it’s position and motion

Transfers of EnergyEnergy can change from one form to another but

is never used up

Lets look at some examples of how energy can change form…

Potential to Kinetic Energy TransferJumping off a cliff changes the potential energy of

standing on a cliff into the kinetic energy of falling

Chemical to Kinetic Energy TransferBiking converts the chemical energy from food

that we eat into kinetic energy of moving on a bike

Electrical to Chemical Energy Transfer

A battery charger uses electricity to store chemical energy inside a battery that can be used later when we need it

Electrical to Light Energy TransferA lamp uses electrical energy to power a light bulb

that produces light

Electrical to Sound Energy TransferA cell phone uses electricity to generate sound

energy so that we can hear people talking to us

Electrical to Sound Energy TransferA door bell uses electrical energy to vibrate a bell

so that you can hear a sound

Chemical to Kinetic to Sound Energy Transfer

You use chemical energy in the food to move your arms and knock on the door. This creates vibrations in the door which you can hear which is sound energy

Chemical to Thermal Energy TransferA stove transfers the chemical energy in gas into

thermal energy used to heat things on the stove

Electrical to Thermal Energy TransferAn air conditioner uses electrical energy to cool

the air in our houses

Chemical to electrical to Light Energy Transfer

A flashlight uses the chemical energy in the battery to generate electricity which powers the light bulb in the flash light

Light to Kinetic Energy Transfer

A solar car uses light energy to move the car

Chemical to Electrical to Light Energy Transfer

A car battery has chemical energy which the car uses to generate electrical energy which in turn powers the lights

ConclusionEnergy can never be destroyedEnergy is being transferred between potential and

kinetic energy all around usWe use energy transfers every day to make our

lives more comfortable!