5.5. Energy Conversion http://www.ck12.org
FIGURE 5.13
A:David could climb up the steps to the top of the slide. It takes kinetic energy to climb the steps, and this energy
would be stored in Daniel as he climbed. By the time he got to the top of the slide, he would have the same amount
of potential energy as before.
A roller coaster is another fun example of changes between kinetic and potential energy. Watch the roller coaster
animation at the URL below to see the energy changes. Notice how the roller coaster’s total energy (kinetic energy
- potential energy) does not change.
http://physiquecollege.free.fr/physics_chemistry_middle_high_secondary_grammar_school_higher_education_acade
my_co.uk.us.en/mechanics_forces_gravitation_energy_interactive/energy_potental_kinetic_mechanical.htm
Q:Can you think of other fun examples of energy changing between kinetic and potential energy?
A:Playground equipment such as swings, slides, and trampolines involve these changes.
Summary
- Energy conversion is the process in which energy changes from one form or type to another. Energy is always
conserved in energy conversions. - Different forms of energy—such as electrical, chemical, and thermal energy—often change to other forms of
energy. - Mechanical energy commonly changes back and forth between kinetic and potential energy.
Vocabulary
- energy conversion: Process in which energy changes from one type or form to another.
Explore More
You can check your understanding of how energy changes form by doing the quizzes at these URLs:
- http://www.think-energy.co.uk/ThinkEnergy/11-14/activities/EnergyTrans2.aspx
- http://www.poweringourfuture.com/students/energy/2.html
Review
- Define energy conversion.
- Relate energy conversion to the law of conservation of energy.
- Describe an original example of energy changing from one form to two other forms.
- Explain how energy changes back and forth between kinetic and potential energy when you jump on a
trampoline. Include a sketch to help explain the energy conversions.