Energy Transformations
The Rule
Energy cannot be created or destroyed, but it can be transformed; this is the Law of conservation of energy.
In fact, every useful process transforms energy from one form to another. There are many different forms or types of energy. Some examples of everyday energy transformations are:
Rubbing hands together to make them warm ---> Kinetic energy to thermal energy
Using a battery-powered flashlight ---> Chemical energy to electrical energy (in the battery) &
Electrical energy to radiant energy (in the bulb)
An object speeding up as it falls ---> Gravitational potential energy to kinetic energy
Energy Conversion: Transfer and Transform
Energy transfer is the movement of energy from one location to another. For example, when electricity moves from a wall plug, through a charger, to a battery. The energy is being transferred from the wall socket to the battery.
Energy transformation is when energy changes from one form to another – e.g. from kinetic energy to electrical energy, or from potential energy to kinetic energy; like in a hydroelectric dam that transforms the kinetic energy of water into electrical energy.
Different Types of Energy and Transformations
Kinetic Energy
Kinetic energy is the energy of an object’s or particle’s motion. The amount of kinetic energy depends on two things: the object’s mass and how fast the object is moving
Potential Energy
Potential energy is energy an object has due to its position. Potential energy does not involve motion, it is dependent on the interaction between two objects and the forces involved. This is considered stored energy.
Speedy Summary
Energy transfer is the movement of energy from one location to another. Energy transformation is when energy changes from one type to another. While energy can be transferred or transformed, the total energy always remains the same.