5.2: Many Forms of Energy

• I can design and build a device that changes energy from one form to another.

• I can explain how energy is transformed in my device using the input–converter–output model.

• I can evaluate my device’s performance and suggest ways to improve it.

Sticky-Note Storm

Think of a machine or device you’ve used today (e.g., phone, bike, toaster).

What types of energy go into the device, and what types come out?

Energy Transformations

Energy is never lost, only transferred or transformed.

Friction (like wheels on a track or rubbing hands) changes some mechanical energy into:

• Heat

• Sound

Rides need electrical energy to keep moving because they lose energy through friction.

Reviewing the pendulum activity at the beginning of the chapter, we saw transformation taking place. 

• At the highest point: Maximum gravitational potential energy, no kinetic

• At the lowest point: Maximum kinetic energy, minimal potential

• Energy transforms back and forth between potential and kinetic as it swings

For every transformation of energy, there are three system parts. Using the pendulum activity we can label each of the parts as follows:

Input - Energy from lifting or pulling the bob

Converter - Gravity (causes the swing)

Output - Kinetic energy (movement)

Other examples of converters:

• electric motor: Electrical energy → Mechanical energy

• solar panel: Electrical energy → Mechanical energy

• battery: Chemical energy → Electrical energy

• toaster:  Electrical energy → Thermal energy

• microphone: Sound energy → Electrical energy

What are some other examples of converters?

Law of Conservation of Energy:

Energy is never created or destroyed—it transforms and dissipates (e.g., as heat or sound).

Energy dissipation happens when useful energy transforms into less useful forms, usually heat or sound, and spreads out. Friction is one of the major causes of energy dissipation. When there is friction, heat is produced, but you may also hear a sound as two surfaces are coming in contact and friction is increased.

Examples of transformation 

1. A toaster

   1. • Electrical energy → thermal energy

      • The toaster takes in electricity from the outlet and transforms it into thermal energy (heat) to toast the bread.

2. A roller coaster

   1. • potential energy → kinetic energy

      • As the roller coaster is pulled up a hill it gains potential energy. Once it reaches the top and starts its descent, it transforms into kinetic energy

Examples of the dissipation of energy

1. A roller coaster

   1. • mechanical energy → thermal energy (friction between wheels and track)

      • mechanical energy → sound energy (from the noise of the ride)

      • The energy that dissipates into the environment cannot be used again by the roller coaster without more energy input.

2. A car engine

   1. • Transforms chemical energy (fuel) → mechanical energy (to move the car)

      • Dissipation of mechanical energy → heat and sound energy

Jigsaw

Handout

1. Form groups of 2.

2. In your groups you will use your understanding from the pendulum simulation, explain how energy is transformed and conserved in a swinging pendulum. For the provided examples,

   • • you will need to identify the input, converter, and output

     • provide an example of energy transformation

     • determine if the energy was lost, dissipated, or fully recovered.

3. Come back to the large group and share your responses to the whole group. 

4. While discussing the answers, you  may come up with other possible answers. Share these with the class.

Examples of Energy Systems

1. A flashlight

2. Riding a bicycle

3. Bluetooth speaker playing music

4. Bouncing a basketball

5. Solar powered calculator

Answers

On your handout, record 2 other examples of energy systems that you encounter daily. For each, provide:

• input, converter, and output

• an example of energy transformation

• if the energy was lost, dissipated, or fully recovered.

Submit when completed.

Alternate Activity

If Energy Were a...": Creating Analogies to Model Energy Transformation Systems

Your task

1. Create an analogy where an everyday system (or imaginary one) represents an energy transformation.

2. Map energy forms (input, transformation, output, and dissipation) to parts of the analogy.

3. Explain the system clearly using a diagram and short written description.

📝 Instructions

1. Choose a system for your analogy.

This could be a:

• Factory

• Restaurant

• Mail delivery service

• Sports team

• Concert performance

• Magical kingdom

• Amusement park ride

• Animal’s body system

2. Define the parts of the analogy to match an energy system:

• Energy Input (e.g., sunlight, electricity, chemical energy)

• Energy Transformations (e.g., chemical → thermal → mechanical)

• Energy Output (e.g., motion, light, heat)

• Energy Dissipation (e.g., heat from friction, sound loss)

3. Draw a labeled diagram of your system (hand-drawn or digital).

4. Write a brief explanation (5–10 sentences) that explains how your analogy helps to understand energy transformations.

🧾 Example Analogy

Energy is Like a Pizza Restaurant

• Input Energy = Ingredients (Chemical Energy)

• Transformation 1 = Oven converts dough to pizza (Chemical → Thermal)

• Transformation 2 = Waiter carries pizza to table (Thermal → Mechanical)

• Output = Hot pizza served (Useful thermal and chemical energy)

• Dissipation = Heat lost to the kitchen, sound from clanging pans

A pizza restaurant is like an energy system. The ingredients (like dough, sauce, and cheese) represent the input of chemical energy. When the pizza is baked in the oven, chemical energy is transformed into thermal energy. A waiter carrying the pizza to a customer shows mechanical energy being used. The output is the hot, delicious pizza ready to eat — a combination of thermal and chemical energy. However, not all energy is used efficiently: some is dissipated as heat escaping the oven and noise in the kitchen.

Assessment

Creativity - clever, unique, and highly engaging analogy

Scientific Accuracy -Clear and accurate mapping of energy concepts

Communication - Organized, clear writing and labeled diagram

Explanation of Dissipation - Describes where energy is lost and why it matters

Materials Needed

• Chromebook to help research ideas

• Poster paper

• colouring pencils/markers

NOTE: You will not be allowed to use printed images for this assignment. The poster should be neat and attractive. Your item should be fairly centred with descriptions/labels coming off of the corresponding parts.