Transfer (Transformation) of Energy

According to the law of conservation of energyEnergy is the ability to do work. Energy exists in several forms such as heat, kinetic or mechanical energy, light, potential energy, and electrical energy. Units of Energy: The SI unit of energy is the joule (J) or newton-meter (N * m). The joule is also the SI unit of work., energy is neither created nor destroyed, it is only transformed from one form to another. Energy is a system that may be transformed so that it resides in a different state. Energy in many states may be used to do varieties of physical work. Energy may be used in natural processes or machines, or to provide some service to the societyThe term society is derived from the Latin word 'socius' meaning friendship or companionship. Society is a community, nation or group of people who share the same traditions, institutions, rules and other common standards of living. such as heat, light, etc.

The generic name for a device which changes energy from one form to another is a Transducer.

The following are some examples of energy conversion/transformation:

1. Mechanical Energy to Electrical Energy by Electric Generator.

2. Electrical Energy to Sound Energy by Electric Bells.

3. Heat Energy to Electrical Energy by a device called Thermocouple.

4. Mechanical Energy to Sound Energy e.g Tuning Fork, Guitar.

5. Electrical Energy to Heat and Light Energy e.g Electric Lamp, Torch Light.

6. Sound Energy to Electrical Energy to Sound Energy e.g Telephone and Radio.

7. Chemical Energy to Light and Heat Energy through burning of firewood, burning of fuels generally.

8. Electrical Energy to Mechanical Energy by using a device called an electric motor.

Conversion of Electrical Energy into Heat Energy:

An electric iron converts electrical energy into heat energy. Inside the electric iron is an element. As electricity flows through the element, it becomes hot, the hot element heats up the bottom of the pressing iron, the iron is now used to iron clothes. Other examples of conversion of electrical energy to heat are the electric cooker, electrical kettle, boiling ring, and toaster.

Conversion of Chemical Energy into Mechanical Energy:

Food is stored energy.  It is stored as chemical energy to do work, like kicking a football. The chemical energy in the food you have eaten is converted into mechanical energy in your moving leg and foot.

Conversion of Mechanical Energy to Sound Energy:

When you strike the tuning fork at the edge of a table, it produces sound. Also, when you use your finger to pull on the string of a guitar, it produces sound.

Conversion of Mechanical Energy to Electrical Energy:

An electric generator converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.

Conversion of Chemical Energy to Light and Heat Energy:

A match stick and a candle convert chemical energy into light and heat energy. When a match is struck it produces light and heat energy. Also, when the match stick is used to light a candle, the chemical energy in the candle is converted into light and heat energy.