ENERGY TRANSFORMATION
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We have seen that energy can be transformed from one type to many other types of energy. That is why energy is so special. Let's learn the most common energy transformation.
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MECHANICAL ENERGY
A simple example of mechanical energy transformation happens when you walk: the mechanical energy you generate is transformed into thermal energy (the soles of your shoes get hotter).With nuclear and electrical energy we have seen that mechanical energy can be transformed into electrical energy: nuclear and power stations transform the mechanical energy of water into electricity. But, how is that possible? Have a look at the following animation and discover it (thanks to http://andysaia.com/).
A simple example of mechanical energy transformation happens when you walk: the mechanical energy you generate is transformed into thermal energy (the soles of your shoes get hotter).With nuclear and electrical energy we have seen that mechanical energy can be transformed into electrical energy: nuclear and power stations transform the mechanical energy of water into electricity. But, how is that possible? Have a look at the following animation and discover it (thanks to http://andysaia.com/).
THERMAL ENERGY
Heat can also be transformed into different types of energy. A good example are geothermal power stations. These power stations get hot steam from the Earth and transform it into mechanical energy. That steam is very hot (150ºC). Have a look at the following picture to understand how this process is possible.
Heat can also be transformed into different types of energy. A good example are geothermal power stations. These power stations get hot steam from the Earth and transform it into mechanical energy. That steam is very hot (150ºC). Have a look at the following picture to understand how this process is possible.
LIGHT ENERGY
Light energy can also be transformed into electrical energy. How? Using solar panels you can transform light energy from the Sun into electricity. On the following video you could watch how this process works.
Light energy can also be transformed into electrical energy. How? Using solar panels you can transform light energy from the Sun into electricity. On the following video you could watch how this process works.
CHEMICAL ENERGY
As we said in a previous lesson, food is full of chemical energy. That chemical energy is measured in calories: the more calories food has, the more energy it contains.
On the following widget you can count the calories food contains.
As we said in a previous lesson, food is full of chemical energy. That chemical energy is measured in calories: the more calories food has, the more energy it contains.
On the following widget you can count the calories food contains.
Fuels are also a good example of substances with a lot of chemical energy that can be transformed into thermal and mechanical energy: a car uses gasoline (chemical energy) and transforms it into mechanical energy (the car moves) and thermal energy (the engine gets really hot).
Let's check how an engine works (click on the picture).
Let's check how an engine works (click on the picture).
NUCLEAR ENERGY
Nuclear energy generates a tremendous amount of thermal energy (heat). Then, that thermal energy is transformed into electrical energy (electricity).On the following video, you could watch how uranium atoms are broken down to produce heat, and then, electricity.
Nuclear energy generates a tremendous amount of thermal energy (heat). Then, that thermal energy is transformed into electrical energy (electricity).On the following video, you could watch how uranium atoms are broken down to produce heat, and then, electricity.
ELECTRICAL ENERGY
In our daily life it is very usual to transform electricity into other types of energy:
In our daily life it is very usual to transform electricity into other types of energy:
- We transform electrical energy into heat and light when we switch lights on.
- We transform electrical energy into heat when we switch an electric heater on.
- We transform electrical energy into mechanical energy when we switch on a fan.
- We transform electrical energy into mechanical energy when we start an electric car.