As a meteor traveled through the atmosphere in October 1992, some of its kinetic energy was converted into light and heat. Upon impact, much of the meteor's remaining kinetic energy went into smashing the rear of this car in Peekskill, New York.

Energy Conversion Can energy be converted from one form into another? Energy can be converted from one form to another.

Energy Conversion The process of changing energy from one form to another is energy conversion. The striking of a match is a good example. Muscles use chemical energy to move the match. Friction between the match and the matchbox converts kinetic energy into thermal energy. Chemical energy is converted into thermal energy and electromagnetic energy in the flame.

Energy Conversion Energy is converted from one form to another as this match is lit.

Conservation of Energy What is the law of conservation of energy? The law of conservation of energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed.

Conservation of Energy When energy changes from one form to another, the total energy remains unchanged, even though many energy conversions may occur. In a closed system, the amount of energy present at the beginning of a process is the same as the amount of energy at the end. Energy may be converted but energy is never lost!

Conservation of Energy The work done by friction changes kinetic energy into thermal energy. Friction within machinery reduces efficiency. Friction is a major cause of energy consumption in cars and factories. In many cases, most of a falling object’s potential energy is converted into thermal energy because of air resistance.

Conservation of Energy Although speed skaters slide quickly over smooth ice, they are still slowed down by friction with the air and the surface of the ice.

Energy Conversions What energy conversion takes place as an object falls toward Earth? The gravitational potential energy of an object is converted to the kinetic energy of motion as the object falls.

Energy Conversions One of the most common energy conversions is between potential energy and kinetic energy. An avalanche brings tons of snow from the top of a mountain to the valley floor. The elastic potential energy of a compressed spring is converted into kinetic energy as the spring expands. Energy conversions can go from kinetic to potential energy or from potential to kinetic energy.

Energy Conversion in Pendulums Energy Conversions Energy Conversion in Pendulums A pendulum consists of a weight swinging back and forth from a rope or string. At the highest point in its swing, the pendulum has zero kinetic energy and maximum potential energy. As the pendulum swings downward, potential energy is converted to kinetic energy. At the bottom of the swing, the pendulum has maximum kinetic energy and zero potential energy.

Energy Conversions Pendulum clocks use pendulums to maintain accurate time. The time it takes for a pendulum to swing back and forth once is precisely related to its length.

Energy and Mass How are energy and mass related? Einstein’s equation, E = mc2, says that energy and mass are equivalent and can be converted into each other.

Energy and Mass Albert Einstein developed his special theory of relativity in 1905. This theory included the now-famous equation E = mc2. E is energy, m is mass, and c is the speed of light. The speed of light is an extremely large number, 3.0 × 108 meters per second. A tiny amount of matter can produce an enormous amount of energy.

What energy conversion occurs as a result of friction? Assessment Questions What energy conversion occurs as a result of friction? chemical energy to thermal energy kinetic energy to potential energy kinetic energy to thermal energy potential energy to thermal energy

What energy conversion occurs as a result of friction? Assessment Questions What energy conversion occurs as a result of friction? chemical energy to thermal energy kinetic energy to potential energy kinetic energy to thermal energy potential energy to thermal energy ANS: C

Assessment Questions At what point in a pendulum’s swing does it have maximum kinetic energy? the highest point of the swing the lowest point of the swing halfway between the lowest and highest point same at all positions of the swing

Assessment Questions At what point in a pendulum’s swing does it have maximum kinetic energy? the highest point of the swing the lowest point of the swing halfway between the lowest and highest point same at all positions of the swing ANS: C

Assessment Questions According to the law of conservation of mass, energy can be converted from one from to another but not created or destroyed. True False

Assessment Questions According to the law of conservation of mass, energy can be converted from one from to another but not created or destroyed. True False ANS: F, law of conservation of energy