Download Slide 1

Lesson 5

Electrical Energy could almost
be could almost be called the
“in between” form of energy.
First other forms of energy are
converted into electrical
energy in power generation
stations, and then it is
converted to other forms of
energy for a variety of uses.

Electrical energy does have its uses though;
its clean, can be transmitted long distances,
and is safe to use if precautions are taken.

The biggest advantage of electrical energy is
that it can be produced from all other forms
of energy and then converted back into any
other form except for nuclear and fossil fuels.

There are 5 basic forms of energy that can be
used to produce electrical energy directly
from the source of energy
1. Mechanical
2. Thermal
3. Sound
4. Radiant
5. Chemical

Mechanical energy can be directly converted
into electrical energy.

Piezoelectric crystals can produce small
amounts of energy when they are squeezed
or stretched.

These crystals are used in watches,
microphones and some BBQ lighters.
Geophones can also convert vibration into
electrical energy.

Thermal energy can be converted into
electrical energy using a device called a
thermocouple.

The thermoelectric effect occurs when two
different metals are joined together at the
ends, and the junction of the metals is
heated. They are also used to measure high
temperatures.

Every time you use the telephone you are
producing electrical energy as you speak into
the mouthpiece.

Sound can be converted into electrical energy
by using piezoelectric crystals or by moving
magnets and electromagnets.

Solar cells convert light
energy directly into
electricity when light strikes
the surface of silicon,
electrons are released and
produce an electric current.

Not only are solar cells used to generate
electricity they also have practical
applications in technology such as barcode
readers, automatic doors and lights sensors,
and in CD and DVD players.

A very common source of electrical energy
from a chemical reaction is the voltaic cell.

There are several
different types of
chemical energy
which will be
expanded upon in
a later lesson.

Another source of electrical energy is by
moving magnets. Based on what you have
learned about electromagnets, you will
create a generator that will create electricity
by using a few simple materials.

The goal is to create the most amount of
voltage you can. The voltage will be
measured using a volt meter.

You can modify your design by using different
magnets, method of coiling wire and speed of
moving magnets.