Transformation of energy in our daily life physics (project)



Introduction

Energy is all around us. We sense it as light, feel it as heat, and hear it as sound. Without energy there would be nothing. No wind, no rivers, no life at all.

 Energy is required for the evolution of life forms on earth. In physics, it is defined as the capacity to do work. We know that energy exists in different forms in nature.



Energy

Energy is essential for the existence of all living organisms. We derive a large part of the energy from the sun; hence it is the biggest source of energy for us. The term “Energy” holds various meanings in our daily life, but in Science, it has a specific definition. The word “Energy” is derived from the Greek word “Energia” which means activity or operation. 

Energy is defined as a physical quantity that is transferred from one object to another to perform work or to heat the object. The S.I. The unit of Energy is Joule (J), and it is a derived unit. It is named after the famous physicist James Prescott Joule.



Sources of Energy 

There are various sources of energy.

Renewable Sources of Energy

 Solar Energy: Solar energy is that energy is derived from the sun. The solar energy is stored in devices known as solar cells. 

Wind Energy: Wind energy is obtained from the force of the wind. A large number of windmills are set up to harness the power of wind and then generate electricity.

 Tidal Energy: Tidal wave energy comes from the movement of the sea waves when tides change from high to low.

Hydraulic Energy: This type of energy is produced by the water we store in reservoirs or artificial lakes.

Geothermal Energy: This energy is generated from the heat stored in the earth. This type of energy is used for heating a house or generating electricity.

 Non-Renewable Source of Energy

These sources of energy are those which cannot be renewed or replenished in nature, which means once it is used up or exhausted, it cannot be generated back. Coal, petroleum, natural gas, and uranium are all examples of non-renewable energy. These sources are often in use to generate electricity, fuel vehicles, and manufacture products. The majority of these sources are fossil fuels.

 

Types of Energy

1. Kinetic Energy

Kinetic energy (KE) is defined as the energy possessed by a moving body by virtue of its motion. A running athlete, blowing wind, flying aircraft, etc. possesses kinetic energy. 

2. Potential Energy

Potential Energy (P.E) is defined as the energy which is stored by an object due to its position, relative to the other objects. When we wind a toy car or stretch a rubber band, potential energy gets stored in the toy car and the rubber band due to the work done on it. The energy remains stored as potential energy if it is not used to cause a change in the velocity of the object.

3. Mechanical Energy

Mechanical energy is defined as the energy associated with the motion and the position of the object. It can possess energy in the form of either potential energy or kinetic energy or both.

4. Chemical Energy

Chemical Energy is defined as the energy stored within the bonds of a  chemical compound, i.e., the energy is stored between the atoms and molecules of the compound. It also refers to the ability of the chemical substances to undergo a chemical reaction to transform into other substances.

5. Nuclear Energy

 Nuclear Energy, also known as atomic energy, is defined as the energy that is released as a result of processes in which atomic nuclei (i.e., the core of the atom) are affected. There are two methods by which nuclear energy can be released. One is known as nuclear fission and the other one is known as nuclear fusion.

6. Sound Energy

Humans experience the vibrations that reach the human ear as sound. The disturbance moves in the form of waves through a medium like air and reaches our eardrum. On reaching the eardrum, these vibrations are converted into electrical signals and sent to the brain, which we interpret as the sensation of sound.

7. Light Energy

Light energy is a form of electromagnetic radiation. Light consists of photons, which are produced when an object's atoms heat up. Light travels in waves and is the only form of energy visible to the human eye.

8. Thermal (Heat) Energy

Thermal energy is created from the vibration of atoms and molecules within substances. The faster they move, the more energy they possess and the hotter they become. Thermal energy is also called heat energy.



Transformation of energy

The Law of Conservation of Energy

The law of conservation of energy states that energy can neither be created nor be destroyed. Although, it may be transformed from one form to another. If we take all forms of energy into account, the total energy of an isolated system always remains constant. All the forms of energy follow the law of conservation of energy. 

A few examples here.

In a torch, the chemical energy of the batteries is converted into electrical energy, which is converted into light and heat energy.

In hydroelectric power plants, waterfalls on the turbines from a height. This, in turn, rotates the turbines and generates electricity. Hence, the potential energy of water is converted into the kinetic energy of the turbine, which is further converted into electrical energy.

In a loudspeaker, electrical energy is converted into sound energy.

In a microphone, sound energy is converted into electrical energy.

In a generator, mechanical energy is converted into electrical energy.

When fuels are burnt, chemical energy is converted into heat and light energy.

Chemical energy from food is converted to thermal energy when it is broken down in the body and is used to keep it warm.



Transformation of energy in our daily life

Flashlight

 When we switch on the torch flashlight, the circuit closes. Chemical energy is turned into electrical energy in cells. The electrical energy that travels through the torch bulb is subsequently converted into light energy, and the torch bulb shines. 

Speaking into a Telephone.

The sound waves are transported to a diaphragm, a thin metal disc inside the phone, and converted into electrical energy. The electrical energy goes via cables to another phone and is changed back to electrical energy, which can be heard by the person on the other end of the phone!

 Solar Panel 

Solar technologies use photovoltaic (PV) panels or mirrors to concentrate solar radiation to convert sunlight into electrical energy. This energy can be converted into electricity or stored in batteries or thermal storage. 

 Air conditioner

In this, electricity is used to transport heat from one place to another. This is managed through the conversion of electrical energy to kinetic energy. The refrigerant absorbs the heat energy inside the room and transports it outside. Once cool, refrigerant is again circulated back inside to carry more heat outside.

Vehicles

When fossil fuels like petrol or diesel are used to run vehicles, the chemical energy contained in them is converted into mechanical energy. Heat energy is also generated as a by-product.

Television

A television converts electrical energy into light and sound energies.

Incandescent bulb

Converts electrical energy into light energy. However, some of the electrical energy is converted into heat energy and lost in the process.

Speakers

 In the speakers the electrical energy is transformed into sound energy.

Table/ceiling fan

In the fans the electrical energy is transformed into mechanical energy.

Food we eat

Chemical energy is stored in the food, which is converted into mechanical energy by our body. The by-product of heat energy is, in fact, useful for us to keep our bodies warm.

 Dry cell

When connected, a dry cell converts the chemical energy contained in it to produce electrical energy. Often heat energy is a by-product of the process.

Gas stove

A gas stove uses natural gas, syngas, butane, propane, or liquified petroleum gas (LPG) as fuel to cook food. Here the energy transformation is from chemical energy to heat energy.

Firecrackers

When a firecracker is lit, it turns the chemical energy in it to light, sound, heat, and mechanical energy.

Running 

When we run Chemical energy turns in to the mechanical energy and heat energy. Heat energy is by product.

Electric geyser

The electric geyser is an electrical appliance used to raise the temperature of water using electric current. It converts electrical energy to thermal energy.

Falling of ball 

As the ball falls towards the ground, its gravitational potential energy is transformed into kinetic energy. The kinetic energy of the ball will continue increasing as the ball gains momentum, until it finally collides with a surface. When the ball collides, the kinetic energy is transformed into other forms of energy.



Conclusion

This project has deepened our understanding of energy and its vital role in our world. By exploring different forms of energy and their applications, we've gained valuable insights into the importance of sustainable practices and efficient utilization. As we move forward, it's clear that embracing renewable energy sources and implementing energy-saving measures are essential steps towards a more sustainable future."



Bibliography

https://solarschools.net/knowledge-bank/energy/types

https://earthathome.org/hoe/energy/

https://byjus.com/physics/energy/

https://www.toppr.com/guides/physics/energy/sources-of-energy/

https://byjus.com/physics/law-of-conservation-of-energy/

https://unacademy.com/content/nda/study-material/physics/conservation-law-of-energy/

https://www.vedantu.com/evs/energy-transformation

https://www.1energysystems.com/20-examples-of-energy-transformation-in-daily-life/

https://www.google.com/search?q=transformation+of+energy