Energy Conversion

Introduction

Every matter in the universe is composed of tiny particles called molecules. They attract each other with some attractive force. There exists an intermolecular force of attraction between molecules. All matters in the universe are considered as a physical system. These are analyzed by the laws of physics. Every object in the universe cannot move without external force. If force is applied to the object. It will be stored inside and then released in the form of work.

What is Energy?

The capacity of the physical system that needs to do work is called the energy of the system and it is a scalar quantity. It occurs in many forms. The S.I unit for energy is Joule. Energy is used to power the devices that we are using such as heat, light, etc. The different types of energy sources are used mainly for the production of electricity.

Energy sources can be divided into two categories such as renewable and non-renewable sources. Renewable sources of energy are the energy that is obtained from flow sources such as wind, tide, sunlight, etc. The energy that is obtained from natural resources which cannot be replaced is called non-renewable sources of energy. Fossil fuels and nuclear energy are some examples of non-renewable sources.

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What is Energy Conversion?

Energy is a fundamental quantity that is very important for life. Energy conversion is the process of conversion of one form of energy into another form of energy. All forms of energy-related to motion. By the conservation of energy law, one form of energy can be transformed into another form and the energy cannot be destroyed or formed. In other ways, it can also be stated that if the system is isolated then the total energy of the system does not change and it remains constant.

Types of Energy

Energy is very important and it occurs in nature in many forms. There are different kinds of energy. They are mechanical energy, thermal energy, nuclear energy, chemical energy, electromagnetic energy, sonic energy, gravitational energy, kinetic energy, potential energy, and ionization energy. Generally, all energy comes under potential or kinetic energy.

Kinetic Energy

If the body moves from one place to another then it has kinetic energy. It is always a positive value. The kinetic energy is given by,

K.E.=12mv2K.E.=12mv2

Potential Energy

This is the energy of the body by virtue of its position. Example: a book on the table. The potential energy is given by,

P.E.=mghP.E.=mgh

Ionization Energy

This is the energy required for the binding of electrons to the nucleus of the atoms or molecules.

Mechanical Energy

The potential energy stored in the is converted into mechanical energy. It is the addition of kinetic energy and potential energy.

Mechnicalenergy=12mv2+mghMechnicalenergy=12mv2+mgh

Thermal Energy

This energy is due to the temperature difference between the two systems. It is due to the movement of atoms in the system.

Nuclear Energy

This is the energy that results from the nuclear reaction of the materials. Examples of nuclear energy are nuclear fusion and nuclear fission.

Chemical Energy

It is the energy formed due to the chemical reaction between atoms or molecules. The chemical reaction is formed when the chemical bond between the atoms gets created or destroyed.

Electromagnetic Energy

This energy is formed from light or electromagnetic waves. X-rays and gamma rays are some examples of electromagnetic energy

Sound Energy

This energy is formed from sound waves. It travels through the air.

Gravitational Energy

Gravity is the attraction between any two bodies in accordance with their mass. The energy associated with this gravity is gravitational energy.

Types of Energy Conversion

There are many types of energy in our environment. One form of energy can be transformed into another form. The conversion between these energies is given below.

The light energy is converted into thermal energy
Mechanical, heat, and light energy are derived from electrical energy.
Nuclear energy is transformed into light and heat energy.
Thermal energy is transformed into heat energy.
Solar energy is transformed into heat, chemical, and electrical energy.
Chemical energy is transformed into electrical energy.
Mechanical energy is converted into electrical and potential energy.
Gravitational potential energy is converted into kinetic energy.

Examples of Energy Conversion

If the ball is dropped down then the potential energy stored in the ball is transformed into kinetic energy.
The mechanical energy due to the movement of water is transformed into electrical energy.
While driving the car the chemical energy stored in the battery is transformed into mechanical energy.
In a battery cell the chemical energy is converted into electrical energy.
Heat energy from the sun is used in a battery to store electrical energy.
During the explosion nuclear energy is converted into heat and light energy.

Evolution of Energy Conversion

The use of Fire

In ancient times the first conversion was made by the use of fire. They use the fire by burning the dried plant and animal waste for cooking and heating. It takes many years for the invention of energy conversion after the use of fire.

Water Wheels

In earlier times our ancestors used a machine to grind the grains. Pot making is also an example of this conversion. Later the invention of watermills came from this. The water which rotates the wheel produces mechanical energy which is converted to electrical energy.

Windmills

Windmill is also an example of the evolution of conversion of energy.