Question

Study the various instances of transformation of energy you see around you and discuss them in class.

Answer 1

Hint – To identify instances of transformation of energy in daily life, we start off by understanding what energy transformation means. Transformation of energy means the transfer of one form of energy into a different form.

Complete step-by-step solution -
The first law of thermodynamics or the law of conservation of energy states that energy can neither be created nor destroyed, it can only be converted from one form into another form.
The various instances of transformation of energy we see around us are as follows:
1). Electrical energy to mechanical/kinetic energy observed in a fan or any kind of motor. A fan uses electrical energy and converts it into mechanical energy using the motor it has, which makes the blades rotate.
2). Solar energy to electrical energy observed in solar panels. A solar panel is exposed to light coming from the sun, it stores this solar energy and it is transformed into electrical energy used in households etc.
3). Electrical energy to sound energy observed in speakers, headphones. Speakers use the electric input and convert them into the sound which comes out of it.
4). Electrical energy to heat energy observed in an oven. Oven derives electrical energy from the input and uses it to produce heat which is used to heat food.

Note – In order to answer these types of questions the key is to know the meaning/definition of the term ‘energy’. Also the fact that the total energy of a process always remains constant. The term ‘Energy’ in physics means the capacity to do work. There are various forms of energy such as potential energy, kinetic energy, thermal energy, electrical energy, chemical energy, nuclear energy and so on. The SI unit of measurement of energy is ‘Joule’.