Final answer:
Energy transformations occur when energy changes from one form to another. Four examples of energy transformation include converting chemical energy to thermal energy in a microwave, solar energy to electrical energy in solar panels, mechanical energy to electrical energy in static electricity, and chemical energy to mechanical energy in the human body.
Step-by-step explanation:
Energy transformations occur when energy changes from one form to another. Here are four examples:
- Chemical to Thermal: When you heat up dinner in a microwave, electrical energy is transformed into microwaves (electromagnetic radiation). These microwaves are absorbed by the food, causing the water molecules in the food to vibrate and generate thermal energy, heating up the food.
- Solar to Electrical: Solar panels at work convert sunlight (electromagnetic radiation) into electrical energy. The photons from the sunlight excite electrons in the solar panel, creating an electric current.
- Mechanical to Electrical: When static electricity is formed, mechanical energy is transformed into electrical energy. For example, when you rub a balloon on your hair, the friction between the balloon and the hair causes electrons to transfer from the hair to the balloon, creating static electricity.
- Chemical to Mechanical: In the human body, the chemical energy stored in food is converted into mechanical energy. For example, when you eat an ice cream cone, your body metabolizes the ice cream, breaking down the chemical bonds and releasing energy that is used to power your muscles and allow you to ride a bicycle.