SCIENCE UNIT TEST

ENERGY TRANSFORMATION

Physicist study and measure the transformation of energy This is important in relating different
phenomena to each other. The methods by which work is done and the effects they have on objects
help a paint the picture of the how is behind many different events. So, let us proceed with the
discussion and study the concept that unifies physics which is energy.

FORMS OF ENERGY

Energy is found in different forms, with nine forms falling under two categories, namely, kinetic energy
and potential energy.

Kinetic energy is the type of energy possessed by an object by virtue of its motion. For instance, a car in
motion possesses kinetic energy whose amount depends in the car's mass and speed. Since mat is never
negative and will always yield a positive result, kinetic energy has only two values: zero and positive.
Kinetic energy is zero when the object is not moving and positive when the object is moving.

Potential energy is the type of energy possessed by an object because of its position (or vertical
separation from the ground). For example, a pile of books on top of the table has more ability to do
work than the same pile placed at ground level. Thus, potential energy depends on the height of an
object relative to a reference point. Its value can be negative, positive, or zero.

Potential Energy

The energy stored in an object's position is called gravitational energy. The amount of gravitational
energy stored in an object depends on its height and mass. For example, when one walks down a steep
hill, he picks up speed. In this case, the gravitational energy is converted to motion energy. As in the
picture, dams are used to accumulate water from rivers to reservoirs; and this results in what is called
hydropower, which is another example of gravitational energy.

The energy stored in the bonds of atoms and molecules is called chemical energy. Examples of this type
of energy range from ordinary battery to biomass, petroleum, natural gas, and more. Burning wood for
cooking or heating up a fireplace, as well as burning gasoline in a car's engine show how chemical energy
is converted to thermal energy.

The energy that holds the nucleus together and is stored in the nucleus of an atom is called nuclear
energy. When the nuclei are combined (fusion) or split apart (fission), very large amounts of energy can
be released. Nuclear power plants use these processes as in the case of splitting the nuclei of uranium
atoms and when the sun combines the nuclei of hydrogen atoms to generate electricity.

Objects by tension possess mechanical energy (elastic energy). For example, the compressed springs
and stretched rubber bands have elastic energy. In the picture, the elastic energy stored in the bow is
transferred to the arrow upon release; this energy is then converted to kinetic energy.
Kinetic Energy

The energy stored in the movement of objects is called motion energy. The object's speed and its mass
affect the amount of kinetic energy it possesses. Energy is needed to get an object moving; when an
object slows down, energy is released. An example of motion energy is the wind. Another is the energy
released after a car collision when the car comes to a complete stop and releases kinetic energy at once
in an uncontrolled instant.

Heat (thermal) energy is the energy due to vibration and movement of the atoms and molecules within
substances. When an object is heated up, its atoms and molecules are in constant motion and collision.
The earth's thermal energy can be harnessed through the operation of geothermal power plants.

The electromagnetic energy that travels in transverse waves is called radiant energy. Radiant energy,
which includes visible light, X-rays, gamma rays, and radio waves, has many types: light, sunshine, etc.

The movement of energy through substances in longitudinal (compression/rarefaction) waves is called

Tiny-charged particles called electrons, typically moving through a wire, deliver electrical energy. It is a
type of energy that you are most familiar with since this energy can be found in our homes. In nature, an
example of electrical energy is lightning. It is so powerful that it cannot be confined in to a wire.

Energy Conversions

The conversion or transformation of energy is a process that involves energy change from one form to
another. This process happens all the time whether in the world or in the human body. For example, the
stored energy in batteries becomes light energy when the flashlight is turned on. When you consume
food, your body uses the stored energy to do work by expending kinetic energy or thermal energy.

The process of energy conversion can be represented by the following examples:

1. When one talks over the phone, his voice is transformed into electrical energy that passes through
the wire and converted into sound energy through the phone's speaker.

2. The engine of a car changes the chemical energy of gas and oxygen into heat and kinetic energy to
power the car.

3. A light bulb converts chemical energy into electromagnetic energy or light energy.

4. A roller coaster on top of a hill possesses potential energy that is converted into kinetic energy when
the train moves down the hill.

Human activities and natural landscapes also involve energy conversion. The following are some
examples.
Energy conversion in juggling. Any object that rises or falls experiences a change in its kinetic and
gravitational potential energy. Look at the balls in Figure 13.5. When a ball moves, it possesses kinetic
energy. As it rises, it slows down, thus, its kinetic energy decreases. However, as its height increases, its
potential energy increases as well. At the highest point in its path, it stops moving. At this point, it no
longer possesses kinetic energy but possesses potential energy. As the ball falls, the entire energy
conversion is reversed: kinetic energy increases while potential energy decreases.

Energy conversion in a pole vault. As a pole vaulter runs, he has kinetic energy because he is moving.
When he plants his pole to jump, the pole bends. His kinetic energy is converted to elastic potential
energy in the pole. As the pole straightens out, the pole vaulter is lifted high into the air. The elastic
potential energy of the pole vaulter is converted into gravitational potential energy due to its altitude.
Once over the bar, the pole vaulter's gravitational potential energy is converted into kinetic energy as he
falls to the safety cushion below.

Energy conversion in a pendulum. A continuous conversion between kinetic energy and potential
energy takes place in a pendulum. At the highest point in its swing, the pendulum as shown in Figure
13.5 has only gravitational potential energy. As the pendulum starts to swing downward, it speeds up
and its gravitational potential energy changes to kinetic energy. At the bottom of its swing, all its energy
is kinetic energy. Then, as it swings to the other side and slows down, it regains gravitational potential
energy and at the same time loses kinetic energy. At the top of its swing on the other side, it again has
only gravitational potential energy. And so, the pattern of energy conversion continues.

Energy conversion in a waterfall. The conversion between potential and kinetic energies on a large scale
is exemplified at Niagara Falls. The water at the top of the falls has gravitational potential energy
because it is higher than the water at the bottom of the falls. However, as the water falls, its height
decreases and so it loses potential energy. At the same time, its kinetic energy increases because its
velocity increases. Thus, potential energy is converted into kinetic energy.

CONSERVATION OF ENERGY

The law of conservation of energy states that energy is transformed from one form to another, energy
is neither created nor destroyed, and thus, energy has always existed in one form or another.

Also, according to the law of conservation of mechanical energy, the total mechanical energy of an
object must be conserved among all the different positions the object may be.

In order for this law to hold true, it is necessary to make sure the system under consideration does not
contain any frictional forces or other types of forces like the push force.

To solve problems regarding the conservation of mechanical energy, it is important to identify two
different positions of the object and recognize the types of energy present in each of the positions. The
reference points used when computing for the potential energies must be consistent all throughout the
solution of the problem.

Remember the following: kinetic energy is zero when the object is not moving; gravitational potential
energy is zero when the object is at the reference point; and elastic potential energy is zero when the
spring is at its equilibrium position.