Energy Transfers and Transformations

Thermal (Heat) Energy Transfers Conduction- The transfer of heat from a warmer substance to a cooler substance through direct contact Convection- The transfer of heat in a fluid or gas through circulating currents. Radiation- The transfer of energy as electromagnetic waves.

Energy Conversions or Transformations The process of changing from one energy to another. Examples: Potential to Kinetic- car on hill begins to roll Mechanical to Heat- A runner radiates heat Electrical to Mechanical- Turn on an electric fan and it spins.

Keys to remember The Laws of Conservation of Energy and Matter states that energy and matter cannot be created or destroyed. If work is being done, thermal (heat) energy is given off. The sun radiates electromagnetic energy into space and is either directly or indirectly the source of most of the world’s energy supplies.

More to remember When a ball is at it’s highest point it has potential energy. As a ball drops it begins to convert potential to kinetic. It is at it’s greatest amount of kinetic energy right before it hits the ground.