Introduction

Can you determine how effectively a machine converts energy input into useful energy output?



C10.1 oscillating fan
Efficiency is a measure of how much work or energy is converted to useful energy in an energy transformation process. In many processes, work or energy is lost as waste heat.

The efficiency is the energy output, divided by the energy input and is expressed as a percentage.

  Targets

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to

  • explain, using calculations, efficiency as a measure of the “useful” work compared to the total energy put into an energy conversion process or device
  • apply concepts related to efficiency of thermal energy conversion to analyze the design of a thermal device

  Watch This

Energy Transfer and Efficiency © YouTube DoodleScience  


This video provides you with a quick overview of energy transfer and efficiency. It goes through the concept of waste energy and introduces you to the efficiency calculation formula. This will help get you in the right mindset for this lesson.