Interactive Activity

Energy Conversion © Explore Learning


Work through this activity to learn more about the concept of energy conversions in different systems and devices. You will see the different paths that energy can take and the different forms it can be converted into.

What are sources of electricity? Where do people and other animals get their energy to move around? Where do plants get energy to live and grow?

Please note: if you scroll down while in the Gizmo you will see a list of questions. You DO NOT need to complete these questions. You are able to complete them for extra practice if you would like.


Procedure:

  1. Click on the play icon to open the Gizmo. You can also access this by visiting the Online Resources for Print Students section of your online course.
  2. In the Energy Conversions Gizmo™, be sure "Information mode" is selected. Click on each of the different items in the scene and read about each one.

  1. Which object converts sunlight into sugars?

    The corn plant
  1. Which object converts wind power to electricity?

    Wind turbine
  1. Which object converts light to electricity?

    Solar cell
  1. Which object converts electricity to light?

    Light bulb
©Explore Learning
C8.27 image from lab
Activity A:
Energy Paths 		Get the Gizmo ready:
  • Select the "Path mode".
©Explore Learning
C8.28 image from lab of person and chicken

  1. Where do we get energy to run, climb, play, and do all the other things we do?

  2. Form a hypothesis: Where do you think we humans get energy?

    Hypotheses will vary – your answer will be a variation of the following. Humans get energy from the food we eat.
  3. Create a path: You will now form an energy path to see where our energy comes from.

  4. Click on the person and read. Where do people get energy?

    From food (chicken or corn)
  5. Now click on the chicken. Where does the chicken get energy?

    From food (corn)
  6. Click on the corn. Where does the corn get energy?

    From the Sun
  7. Click on the sun. How does the sun get energy?

    From a nuclear reaction that converts hydrogen into helium. [The reaction is called nuclear fusion.]
  8. Fill in the energy path starting with the sun. _______ → _______ → _______ → _______

    Sun  →  Corn  →  Chicken →  Person
  9. Click "Reset" and then click on the toaster. Using the Gizmo, create four energy paths to explain how the toaster could get its energy. (One path will only have three objects.)

    Sun → Air → Wind turbine → Toaster
    Sun → Water → Dam → Toaster
    Sun → Solar cell → Toaster
    Sun → Corn → Ethanol plant → Toaster
  10. Where does each path begin?

  11. What would life on Earth be like without the sun?

    Your answer can be a variation of the following. Earth would be very cold and there would be little or no energy on Earth. Plants wouldn’t grow, wind wouldn’t blow, and water would not evaporate. No clouds would form and no rain or snow would occur. Living things would not survive.

Activity B:
Energy Conversions
Get the Gizmo ready:
  • Click "Reset".
  • Check that "Path mode" is still selected.
©Explore Learning
C8.29 image from lab of energy path

  1. How is energy changed from one form to another?

  2. Create a path: Create an energy path in the Gizmo, starting with the sun. For each step of the path, describe the energy conversion that takes place. The first one is done for you.

Energy Path
Energy Conversion
sun
↓
Nuclear energy is converted to light and thermal energy.

↓

↓



Your answer can be a variation of the following. One example is given.

Energy Path
Energy Conversion
sun
↓
Nuclear energy is converted to light and thermal energy.
air
↓		 Thermal energy is converted to kinetic energy.
wind turbine
↓		 Kinetic energy is converted to electrical current.
sound
Electrical current is converted to sound.
  1. Where in the Gizmo (and in real life) do the following energy conversions occur?

    Chemical to thermal to electrical current.

    Ethanol plant
    Gravitational potential to kinetic to electrical current.



Practice Questions

Complete the following practice questions to check your understanding of the concept you just learned. Make sure you write complete answers to the practice questions in your notes. After you have checked your answers, make corrections to your responses (where necessary) to study from.

  1. Why is it important to understand and identify the energy transformations that a system or device goes through?

    Your answer should be a variation of the following.

    When you understand the energy transformations that a system or device goes through, then you can better identify where there is a release of “waste” energy. This can then lead to studying how to make the energy transformations more efficient.

  1. Trace the energy transformation(s) that occur in order for a toaster to work and toast a piece of bread.

    potential energy → electric energy → thermal energy