Energy transformation worksheet for 9th-12th - Free Printable

Problem: Fill in the blanks to determine the energy transformations in each scenario.

#### Solution and Explanation:

1. A steam locomotive where coal burns to make steam which drives the locomotive down the track.
- Energy Transformation: Chemical → Thermal → Mechanical
- Explanation:
- Chemical Energy: Coal contains chemical energy stored in its molecular bonds.
- Thermal Energy: When coal burns, the chemical energy is converted into thermal (heat) energy.
- Mechanical Energy: The heat energy is used to create steam, which expands and pushes pistons, converting thermal energy into mechanical energy to move the locomotive.

2. The sun shines on a solar panel which drives a motor to strike a match.
- Energy Transformation: Radiant → Electrical → Mechanical → Sound & Thermal
- Explanation:
- Radiant Energy: The sun emits radiant (solar) energy.
- Electrical Energy: Solar panels convert radiant energy into electrical energy.
- Mechanical Energy: The electrical energy powers a motor, which converts it into mechanical energy to move parts.
- Sound & Thermal Energy: Striking a match produces sound energy and thermal energy as the match ignites.

3. A wind turbine with storage batteries which provide electricity to a home.
- Energy Transformation: Kinetic → Mechanical → Electrical → Chemical
- Explanation:
- Kinetic Energy: Wind has kinetic energy due to its motion.
- Mechanical Energy: The wind turns the blades of the turbine, converting kinetic energy into mechanical energy.
- Electrical Energy: The mechanical energy is used to generate electrical energy in the turbine.
- Chemical Energy: The electrical energy is stored in batteries as chemical energy for later use.

4. The telephone rings and you pick it up to hear someone and then you speak back to them.
- Energy Transformation: Electrical → Sound → Mechanical → Sound
- Explanation:
- Electrical Energy: The phone uses electrical energy to produce sound.
- Sound Energy: The ringtone is produced as sound energy.
- Mechanical Energy: You physically pick up the phone (mechanical energy).
- Sound Energy: Your voice is converted into sound energy when you speak.

5. You strike a match and it lights.
- Energy Transformation: Mechanical → Thermal → Chemical
- Explanation:
- Mechanical Energy: Striking the match involves friction, which is a form of mechanical energy.
- Thermal Energy: Friction generates heat (thermal energy), raising the temperature of the match head.
- Chemical Energy: The heat causes a chemical reaction, igniting the match and releasing more thermal and light energy.

6. A rock falls from a cliff.
- Energy Transformation: Gravitational → Kinetic → Thermal
- Explanation:
- Gravitational Energy: The rock has gravitational potential energy due to its height above the ground.
- Kinetic Energy: As the rock falls, its potential energy is converted into kinetic energy (energy of motion).
- Thermal Energy: Upon impact, the kinetic energy is dissipated as heat and sound, primarily as thermal energy.

7. The human body takes food in and produces energy in 2 to 3 forms.
- Energy Transformation: Chemical → Mechanical & Thermal
- Explanation:
- Chemical Energy: Food contains chemical energy stored in its molecules.
- Mechanical Energy: The body uses this energy for physical activities (e.g., walking, lifting).
- Thermal Energy: Some of the energy is released as heat to maintain body temperature.

8. A car is driving along and suddenly slams the brakes on and crashes into a metal pole.
- Energy Transformation: Kinetic → Mechanical → Thermal
- Explanation:
- Kinetic Energy: The car has kinetic energy due to its motion.
- Mechanical Energy: Braking converts some kinetic energy into mechanical energy as the brake pads press against the rotors.
- Thermal Energy: The braking process generates heat (thermal energy). Additionally, the crash dissipates the remaining kinetic energy as thermal and sound energy.

9. Burning wood in a fireplace.
- Energy Transformation: Chemical → Thermal → Radiant
- Explanation:
- Chemical Energy: Wood contains chemical energy stored in its molecular bonds.
- Thermal Energy: When wood burns, the chemical energy is converted into thermal (heat) energy.
- Radiant Energy: The heat radiates outward as infrared and visible light (radiant energy).

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Final Answers:

1. Chemical → Thermal → Mechanical
2. Radiant → Electrical → Mechanical → Sound & Thermal
3. Kinetic → Mechanical → Electrical → Chemical
4. Electrical → Sound → Mechanical → Sound
5. Mechanical → Thermal → Chemical
6. Gravitational → Kinetic → Thermal
7. Chemical → Mechanical & Thermal
8. Kinetic → Mechanical → Thermal
9. Chemical → Thermal → Radiant

Final Answer Box:
\boxed{
\begin{array}{l}
1. \text{Chemical → Thermal → Mechanical} \\
2. \text{Radiant → Electrical → Mechanical → Sound & Thermal} \\
3. \text{Kinetic → Mechanical → Electrical → Chemical} \\
4. \text{Electrical → Sound → Mechanical → Sound} \\
5. \text{Mechanical → Thermal → Chemical} \\
6. \text{Gravitational → Kinetic → Thermal} \\
7. \text{Chemical → Mechanical & Thermal} \\
8. \text{Kinetic → Mechanical → Thermal} \\
9. \text{Chemical → Thermal → Radiant}
\end{array}
}