Download Energy transformations

topic: Forms of energy
activity: Energy transformations
Students are introduced to the use of flow diagrams to represent simple energy transformations.
Suggested time: 45 minutes
Summary of Key Learning Points
Students:
- describe the difference between energy transferal and energy transformation
- recognise that energy transformations can be represented using flow diagrams
- construct simple flow diagrams to represent given energy transformations
- identify energy transformations in a Rube Goldberg machine
Transferring and transforming energy
5 minutes
The first page shows two videos. Both involve a domino situation, but in one a chemical reaction is
happening. The idea is to highlight the difference between energy transformation (video 1) and energy
transferral (video 2).
Energy transformation involves one energy turning into another type of energy.
Energy transferal involves the same type of energy being passed from one object to the next.
Suggested answers:
Different: The one on the left involves a chemical reaction and the one on the right doesn't.
Similar: They both involve energy being transferred along a chain of objects. (Inquiry point 1)
Energy flow diagrams
5 minutes
This page is an introduction to the use of energy flow diagrams. Talk students through the construction of
these diagrams using the two examples on the page.
Students complete two parts of the torch energy flow diagram.
Answer: Chemical energy -> Electrical energy -> Light, Heat energy (Inquiry point 2)
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topic: Forms of energy
activity: Energy transformations
The Explore this on 'Energy transformations and the Sun' explains the importance of the Sun to life on Earth.
Radiometer
5 minutes
Explain to students what a radiometer is. Get them to try to offer an explanation for why it turns clockwise,
not anti-clockwise when the light is turned on.
Answer: Light energy -> kinetic energy (Inquiry point 3)
If students need to refresh their memories about the different types of energy, they can use the Energy
reference guide at the top of the page.
Dynamo
5 minutes
Turning the handle of the dynamo spins a generator and creates an electric current that lights the light globe.
Answer: Kinetic energy (arm) -> kinetic energy (generator) -> electrical energy -> heat and light energy
(Inquiry point 4)
Candle
5 minutes
The energy changes are actually a bit more complex than shown here. The burning wick vaporizes the
candle wax, which then mixes with oxygen and combusts.
Answer: Chemical potential -> heat and light energy (Inquiry point 5)
Basketball
5 minutes
Remind students that a basketball actually deforms as it bounces. This deformation adds elastic potential.
The amount of heat produced is small, but still present.
Answer: Gravitational potential -> kinetic energy -> elastic potential, sound and heat energy (Inquiry point 6)
Talking point: What types of energy is the elastic potential of the ball converted into as it rises back up?
(Answer = gravitational potential and kinetic energy)
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topic: Forms of energy
activity: Energy transformations
Solar-powered car
5 minutes
The solar panel directly generates a current to move the car.
Answer: Light energy -> electrical energy -> kinetic energy (Inquiry point 7)
The page turner
10 minutes
On this page you will find a very cool video by Brooklyn-based kinetic artist Joseph Herscher. Have students
watch the video a couple of times then try to write down as many of the energy transformations as they can.
There are quite a few, so there is no need to try to get all of them!
Energy transformations include:
Gravitational potential -> kinetic energy (balls dropping)
Chemical potential -> kinetic energy (water boiling)
Electrical energy -> heat energy (hair dryer)
(Inquiry point 8)
Suggested completion levels
Basic – Inquiry point goal = 4
Students at this level will: construct a simple energy flow diagram showing at least one transformation.
Core – Inquiry point goal = 6
Students at this level will: construct energy flow diagrams for at least two examples; identify at least one
energy transformation in 'The page turner'.
Advanced – Inquiry point goal = 8
Students at this level will: construct simple and complex energy flow diagrams for multiple examples; identify
all energy transformations in ‘The page turner’ and describe them using flow diagrams.
© IntoScience 2013. This sheet may be reproduced for classroom use
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