Energy comes in many Energy comes in many forms:forms:

ThermalThermalRadiantRadiantSoundSound

ChemicalChemicalElectricalElectricalMechanicalMechanical

When energy is When energy is used to make used to make things move, it things move, it is transformed is transformed from one form from one form into another.into another.

Most energy transformations can Most energy transformations can be traced back to the sun: the be traced back to the sun: the original source of energy for life original source of energy for life on earth.on earth.

Simple energy Simple energy transformationtransformation::

Sunlight (radiant Sunlight (radiant energy) shines on energy) shines on a person's face a person's face and changes to and changes to thermal energy. thermal energy.

Why this happensWhy this happens::

As your skin absorbs As your skin absorbs energy the energy the molecules move molecules move faster which faster which produces heat.produces heat.

Some energy Some energy transformations transformations take place in take place in complex chains. complex chains.

Old style steam locomotiveOld style steam locomotiveIn this old steam engine, steam is used to In this old steam engine, steam is used to move pistons which make the wheels turn.move pistons which make the wheels turn.

Radiant Chemical Radiant Chemical Thermal Mechanical Thermal Mechanical

Old style steam locomotiveOld style steam locomotiveHow it works:How it works:

Radiant energy from the sun is absorbed by Radiant energy from the sun is absorbed by plants. Plants produce chemical energy through plants. Plants produce chemical energy through photosynthesis. The plants die and become photosynthesis. The plants die and become fossil fuels (chemical energy). In the locomotive fossil fuels (chemical energy). In the locomotive the chemical energy is burned (thermal energy). the chemical energy is burned (thermal energy). The steam created from the thermal energy The steam created from the thermal energy turns (mechanical energy) the wheels to make turns (mechanical energy) the wheels to make the locomotive move.the locomotive move.

Battery – powered alarm clockIn this battery-powered alarm clock, the hands move and an alarm rings when it’s time to wake up.

Chemical      Electrical      Mechanical      Sound

Solar-powered carMost cars run by using a battery for

electrical energy and gasoline for chemical energy. A solar powered car runs using only energy from the sun.                                          

Radiant    Electrical   Mechanical

Hand-cranked generatorA generator is the opposite of a motor:

Motor: put in electricity and motion comes out.

Generator: put in motion and electricity comes out.                                 

Chemical      Mechanical     Electrical    Radiant     Thermal

THINK ABOUT ITTHINK ABOUT IT

Energy cannot be created or Energy cannot be created or destroyed. It can only be destroyed. It can only be transformed from one form to transformed from one form to another. another.

Identify all the energy transformations Identify all the energy transformations

that occur when you that occur when you

operate a hair dryer.operate a hair dryer.

Energy source:Energy source: fossil fossil fuels (coal)fuels (coal)

Transformations:Transformations:

Chemical (burning) -> Chemical (burning) -> Thermal (steam) -> Thermal (steam) -> Mechanical Mechanical (generator) -> (generator) -> Electrical -> Thermal Electrical -> Thermal and Mechanical (fan and Mechanical (fan inside)inside)

Transformations Transformations From source to useFrom source to use

ConclusionConclusionAs we each move through our day, we As we each move through our day, we

are constantly witnessing and are constantly witnessing and experiencing transformations of experiencing transformations of energy.energy. Alarm clock, microwave oven, lights, Alarm clock, microwave oven, lights,

carcar Even the leaves on plants are quietly Even the leaves on plants are quietly

converting solar energy into chemical converting solar energy into chemical energy!energy!

Critical Questions:Critical Questions:

What energy transformations take place What energy transformations take place inside a working battery? inside a working battery?

How about in your i-pod?How about in your i-pod?Flash light?Flash light? Hand-crank flash light?Hand-crank flash light?Car engine? Car engine? Your body? Your body?