Energy Transformation — Passage
Energy transformation is the process of changing energy from one form to another. This is important because energy is constantly being transformed to power machines, move our bodies, and fuel natural systems. Energy doesn’t disappear—it just changes form to do work in different ways.
A common example of energy transformation is found in a flashlight. When you turn it on, chemical energy stored in the batteries is changed into electrical energy. That electrical energy then powers the bulb, which produces light energy and a bit of thermal energy (heat). Each step involves a transformation that allows the flashlight to work.
Another example is eating food. The food contains chemical energy. When your body digests it, the energy is transformed into mechanical energy that helps you move, and thermal energy that helps maintain your body temperature. This is how living things use energy transformations to survive and grow.
Energy can transform between many forms, including kinetic energy (energy of motion), potential energy (stored energy), sound energy, nuclear energy, and more. Each transformation follows the law of conservation of energy, which says that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only changed from one form to another.
Understanding energy transformations helps scientists and engineers design better engines, improve renewable energy sources like solar panels, and make everyday technology more efficient.
Fun Fact: Electric eels can transform chemical energy in their bodies into electrical energy strong enough to shock prey or defend themselves!
What is energy transformation?
Destroying energyStoring energyChanging energy formFreezing energyWhat kind of energy does a flashlight battery store?
Sound energyChemical energyLight energyNuclear energyWhat two energy forms are produced by a flashlight bulb?
Sound and mechanicalKinetic and potentialLight and thermalElectrical and magneticHow does your body use the energy from food?
It becomes soundIt disappearsIt turns into heat and motionIt creates lightWhich law states that energy cannot be created or destroyed?
Law of motionLaw of inertiaLaw of gravityLaw of conservationWhy is energy transformation important in real life?
It prevents growthIt keeps energy stored foreverIt helps systems workIt destroys heatWhat is the main idea of the passage?
Energy can be destroyedEnergy transformation powers systemsEnergy is only stored in batteriesEnergy always becomes lightA toaster turns electrical energy into what two types?
Mechanical and nuclearSound and kineticLight and magneticThermal and lightRelated Content
