Physics classwork notes- 3.
Forces and energy
3.5 Energy
3.6 Changes in energy
3.7 Where does energy go
1 What is Energy?
• Energy is the ability to do work or cause change.
• We cannot see energy itself, but we see its effects (movement, heat, light, sound).
• Energy cannot be created or destroyed. It can only be changed or transferred.
2 Types of Energy
Chemical
Thermal
(Heat)
Electrical
Nuclear
Types of
Sound
Energy
Kinetic
(Movement)
Light
Gravitational
Potential
Elastic
Potential
1
3 Energy Changes
Energy can change from one form to another:
• Torch: Chemical → Electrical → Light + Heat
• Car: Chemical → Kinetic + Sound + Heat
• Ball falling: Potential → Kinetic
Energy Stores
Definition: Energy can be kept in different “stores” depending on the situation.
• Chemical store – energy stored in fuels, food and batteries. .
• Gravitational store – energy of an object raised above the ground.
• Kinetic store – energy of moving objects.
• Elastic store – energy stored when an object is stretched or squashed. Examples:
stretched rubber band, compressed spring, bent bow.
• Thermal store – energy in hot objects.
Energy Transfers
Definition: Energy moves from one store to another by different methods.
• Mechanically – when a force makes something move.
• Electrically – when an electric current flows.
• Heating – energy moving from hot objects to cooler ones.
• Radiation (waves) – energy carried by waves such as light or sound.
4 Dissipation of Energy
• When energy changes, some energy is always spread out to the surroundings.
• This energy is usually in the form of heat or sound.
• Once spread out, it becomes less useful.
Example: A light bulb gives light (useful) but also heat (wasted).
2
5 Useful vs. Wasted Energy
Useful
Energy
Energy Outputs
Wasted
Energy
Diagram Example – Electric Fan
Sound energy
(wasted)
Kinetic energy
Electrical energy
(useful)
Heat energy
(wasted)
6 Efficiency
• Efficiency tells us how much of the input energy is turned into useful energy.
• No machine is 100% efficient because some energy is always wasted.
Useful energy output
Efficiency = × 100%
Total energy input
Example
A bulb takes 100 J of electrical energy.
• Light = 20 J (useful)
• Heat = 80 J (wasted)
20
Efficiency (η) = × 100 = 20%
100
