Da VIP Academy / GED / Science / Physical Science
Energy, Work & Heat
Identify energy transformations and use conservation of energy.
How it works
Energy transforms, it does not vanish
A roller coaster trades potential energy at the top for kinetic energy at the bottom. A lamp turns electrical energy into light and heat. Some energy always leaves as heat.
Heat transfer
Conduction is direct contact, convection moves through fluids, radiation travels as waves. Heat always flows from warmer to cooler.
Worked examples
Name the transformation when a battery-powered fan runs.
- Chemical energy in the battery.
- Becomes electrical energy.
- Becomes mechanical energy plus heat.
Words to know
- Kinetic energy
- Energy of motion.
- Potential energy
- Stored energy due to position or condition.
Test-day tips
- • Any question asking 'where did the energy go' has heat in the answer.