Name : Reynard Simarmata & jolin tumewu
Period _________ Date : 30 januari 2023
Energy Forms & Changes Simulation
[Link]
In this simulation, you will be able to “see” several different forms of energy and the changes (transfers) that
can occur between them. You are also able to work with a system where you can manipulate the energy input,
observe the process of electrical energy generation and manipulate the output.
Google “Phet energy forms”. Click the first link which will load the University of Colorado’s PHET page.
Click the play triangle button.
Click on the “Energy Systems” tab. We will do all of our work here. Be sure to click the “Energy
Symbols” box so the different types of energy will be visible throughout the process.
Getting Familiar With The Options
Please experiment with the different source, generation and output options – there are many
combinations to play with – then complete the questions below.
1. Which energy sources (input) can cause the turbine (wooden wheel) to spin and generate electrical
energy? Mechanical and thermal
2. Which energy sources (input) cause the solar panels to generate electrical energy? Light
3. Which energy output objects work with the turbine? Mechanical
4. Which energy output objects work with the solar panels? Light
5. What happens to the amount of electrical energy that is generated when the:
Specify “a little” or “a lot”
a. Faucet is on high?
A lot
b. Faucet is on low?
A little
c. There are no clouds?
A lot
d. There are lots of clouds?
A little
e. Low heat on the kettle?
A little
f. High Heat on the kettle?
A lot
g. The girl pedals slowly?
A little
h. The girl pedals quickly?
A lot
6. Explain why the cyclist must be fed in order to continue to pedal?
Because the girl need food to produce chemical energy
7. The Law of Conservation of Energy states that the energy can’t be erased or vanished otherwised it can
be converted to another energy.
Exploring Energy Transfer
Set up your system as shown in the picture. Let it run for a while and then complete the sentences using
the energy symbols to help you “see” the flow of the energy within each system. HINT: Make sure to check
the Energy Symbols box. Use the color of the “E” boxes to know what form the energy is.
8. Turbine Moved by Medium Water Flow from Faucet With A Water Heater System
In this system, mechanical energy from the moving water of the faucet turns the turbine. The mechanical
energy of the spinning turbine generates electrical energy which is transformed into thermal energy that causes
the temperature of the water to increase. The water then becomes steam and gives off more thermal energy into
the atmosphere.
9. Solar Panel in No Cloud Cover With An Incandescent Light Bulb System
In this system, Light energy from the sunlight causes the solar panel to create electrical energy which flows
into the incandescent light bulb. In the light bulb, the thermal energy is transformed into two different types of
energy: thermal energy and light energy.
10. Turbine Moved by Steam from Medium Heat Kettle With A Fan
In this system, thermal energy from the flames of the fire transfer energy to the kettle causing the liquid to
become steam. The thermal energy of the steam spins the turbine ( mechanical energy) which generates
electrical energy that is used to operate the fan. The moving electric motor and the spinning fan blades are a
form of mechanical energy. After running for a while, the fan becomes hot to the touch, and ever so often
releases thermal energy into the air.
*Note* Another form of energy is released from the kettle. What is it? Thermal energy
11. Turbine Moved by Cyclist Pedaling at Medium Speed With A Fluorescent Light Bulb System
In this system, chemical energy from the cyclist is converted to a lot mechanical of energy and a little bit
of chemical energy. The mechanical energy from the turning bicycle wheel spins the turbine which
generates electrical energy. The fluorescent light bulb converts this energy into two new forms: a lot of
light energy and very little thermal energy.
12. Switch out the fluorescent bulb (curly one) with the incandescent bulb (rounded) and observe the
energy output. What do you notice about the difference in the energy and output of these two bulbs?
The difference is, on the incandescent bulb the first energy that converted from electrical energy is
thermal and then light. So the bulb heated first. The fluorescent bulb is the opposite, light energy first,
then the thermal energy.
13. Application question: In Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, it is common for members of the Amish
community to use wind mills to pump water from underground to fill a tank for drinking water. The
wind causes the turbine blades to spin, rotating a shaft, which is transferred through some gears to
operate a pump, which pumps water up from deep below the ground to fill an above ground tank.
Identify the energy conversions happening at each step below.
A. Wind blows (mechanical energy)
B. causing the turbine to turn, rotating shaft works pump(mechanical energy)
C. Motion of water moving up from well (kinetic energy)
D. Water in tank which is positioned 5 feet above the ground level ( potential energy)
