Part 2: Energy Forms and Changes

Master energy forms & changes! Explore Phet simulation, energy conservation, and efficiency.

‪Energy Forms and Changes‬ We have looked at the different forms that energy takes. Today we are going to discover how different forms of energy can change into electrical energy to generate useful electricity. There are other ways that energy can move and change. Click on the picture to the left to use the Phet simulation. When the simulation opens, select “Systems”. Introducing the Simulation Click on Energy Symbols to see the energy packets. Build an energy system and describe what happens to the energy as it moves through the system. Fill in the table below using different examples. Type only the first letter of each energy type. The first row is completed for you as an example. Energy Source Form of Energy Energy Changer Form of Energy Energy User Form of energy Moving water m Generator e Light Bulb l Moving Water m Generator e Fan m Sun l Solar Panel e Hot Plat with water t Girl on Bike m Generator e Light Bulb (CFL) l Tea Pot m Generator e Light Bulb l Set up your system as shown in the picture. Let it run for a while and then complete the sentences using the energy symbols to help you “see” the flow of the energy within each system. In this system, mechanical energy from the moving water of the faucet turns the turbine. The mechanical energy of the spinning turbine generates electrical energy which is transformed into thermal energy that causes the temperature of the water to increase. The water then becomes steam and gives off more "lost" energy asthermal energy into the air. Set up your system as shown in the picture. Let it run for a while and then complete the sentences using the energy symbols to help you “see” the flow of the energy within each system. In this system, light energy from the sunlight causes the solar panel to create electrical energy which flows into the incandescent light bulb. In the incandescent light bulb, the electrical energy is transformed into two different types of energy: lightenergy and some energy "lost" asthermalenergy. Set up your system as shown in the picture. Let it run for a while and then complete the sentences using the energy symbols to help you “see” the flow of the energy within each system. In this system, thermal energy from the flames of the fire transfer energy to the kettle causing the liquid to become steam. The mechanical energy of the moving steam spins the turbine which generates electrical energy that is used to increase the temperature of the water.*Note* Another form of "wasted" energy is released from the kettle as steam. What is it? thermal Set up your system as shown in the picture. Let it run for a while and then complete the sentences using the energy symbols to help you “see” the flow of the energy within each system. In this system, chemical energy from the cyclist is converted to a lot of mechanical energy and a little bit of thermal energy. The mechanical energy from the turning bicycle wheel spins the turbine which generates electrical energy. The fluorescent light bulb converts this energy into two new forms: a lot of light energy and some wastedthermal energy. Efficiency is how well a device transforms energy into a useful form. Compare energy output between the fluorescent bulb (curly one) with the incandescent bulb (rounded). Which bulb is more efficient and why?HINT: A light bulb is used to produce LIGHT -NOT Thermal- The Law of Conservation of energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed it only changes form. If this is true, why did you have to keep feeding the bicyclist. You must use facts about energy transformation and the Law of Conservation of Energy in your answer.