Energy Transformation – Lesson Summary

This is a lesson summary. The full lesson can be viewed by purchasing an online course subscription.

Learning Objective

In this lesson we will look at some of the main types of energy transformations involving mechanical energy, electrical energy, chemical energy and nuclear energy.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this lesson you will be able to:

  • Explain what is meant by ‘energy transformation’.
  • Describe transformations between mechanical potential energy and mechanical kinetic energy, with examples.
  • Describe transformations involving electrical energy, with examples.
  • Describe transformations of chemical energy, with examples.
  • Describe transformations of nuclear energy, with examples.
  • Use energy transformation diagrams to represent energy transformations.

 
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Lesson Topics

1 | The Transformation of Energy

2 | Transformation of Mechanical Energy

3 | Transformation of Electrical Energy

4 | Transformation of Chemical Energy

5 | Transformation of Nuclear Energy

6 | Summary

Lesson Summary

  • Energy transformation is the conversion of energy from one form into another.
  • Energy transformation can occur between two types of kinetic energy or between potential energy and kinetic energy, but not between two types of potential energy.
  • Mechanical potential energy can be transformed into mechanical kinetic energy.
  • Mechanical kinetic energy can be transformed into mechanical potential energy and sound energy.
  • Electrical potential energy can be transformed into electrical kinetic energy.
  • Electrical kinetic energy can be transformed into several types of kinetic energy, including light energy, sound energy, heat energy and mechanical kinetic energy.
  • Most chemical reactions involve the transformation of chemical energy into heat energy or the transformation of heat energy into chemical energy.
  • If the chemical energy stored in the reactants is greater than the chemical energy stored in the products, heat energy will be released during the reaction.
  • If the chemical energy stored in the products is greater than the chemical energy stored in the reactants, heat energy will be absorbed during the reaction.
  • Chemical reactions can also involve the transformation of chemical energy into light energy and sound energy.
  • Photosynthesis is a chemical reaction that involves the transformation of light energy into chemical energy.
  • Nuclear reactions involve the transformation of nuclear energy into radiant energy (gamma rays) and heat energy.
  • Nuclear fusion reactions involve two small nuclei merging to form a single larger nucleus.
  • Nuclear fission reactions involve a large nucleus splitting into two smaller nuclei.

 
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