Download Energy Transformations Name: Date: Conservation of Energy

Energy Transformations
Name: ______________________________
Date: _______________________________
Conservation of Energy
Conservation of energy refers to the fact that energy cannot be created or destroyed. The key idea to
understand today is that energy is always changing from one form to another. We would not be here if it did
not!
Everything that happens in the world around you can be explained as an energy transformation! Whenever
anything happens, energy is changing from one form to another.
For example: A human consumes chemical energy in the form of food, then turns this energy into thermal
energy (body heat) and kinetic energy (as it moves around).
You can also draw what is called an energy diagram. This is just a picture, or flow chart, that shows how the
energy is being transformed.
Thermal Energy (body heat)
Chemical Energy (food)
Kinetic Energy (movement)
Some common energy things to remember:
Things that do with the human body start with chemical potential energy
When one object crashes into another, some of the energy turns into thermal and elastic potential
When something falls, the energy transforms from gravitational potential
Things that have batteries start with chemical potential energy (not electric)
Things that have electricity start with electric potential energy
The sun gives off light, which is electromagnetic energy
Directions:
1. In each of the following scenarios, identify and list the types of energy that are involved in the scenario.
2. Then, draw an energy transformation diagram that shows how energy is changing forms by asking yourself
a. What kind of energy is it starting with?
b. What kind of energy is it ending with?
Scenarios:
1. A house is solar powered
2. A penny is dropped.
3. A battery powered flashlight is turned on.
4. A match is lit
5. An archer shoots an arrow.
6. A microwave is used to heat some food.
7. An mp3 player is charged as it plays music.
8. A boy plays a game of basketball.