Unit 3 Introduction

  Introduction

Did you know that all systems, living and non-living, work based on energy conversions?

Modern and efficient energy conversion devices have been developed based upon the first and second laws of thermodynamics. These laws are the ideas that energy has to be conserved when being converted from one form to another.

You will investigate mechanical energy conversions and transfers in systems. You will recognize that while energy is conserved, useful energy decreases with each conversion as some energy is released, often in the form of heat. You will learn that energy can be observed only when it is being transferred and that mechanical energy can be measured.

Finally, you will apply energy conservation and conversion concepts to explain energy conversions in natural and technological systems and investigate the design and function of energy conversion technologies. This will help you get ready for Physics 20, should you decide to take that course.

  General Outcomes

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

1. analyze and illustrate how technologies based on thermodynamic laws were developed before the laws of thermodynamics were created

2. explain and apply concepts used when measuring theoretical and practical amounts of energy in mechanical systems
   

3. apply the laws of energy conservation and thermodynamics to investigate, describe, and predict efficiency of energy changes in technological systems