Consider a spring as an example. When it is compressed or extended, the spring stores elastic potential energy. When released, the spring oscillates, and the potential energy is converted into kinetic energy.
Types of Energy Transformation
Energy Transformation Examples
Mechanical Energy (including kinetic energy and potential energy)Chemical EnergyElectrical EnergyThermal Energy or Heat EnergySound EnergyLight Energy or Radiant EnergyNuclear EnergySolar Energy
An electric fan, blender, and washing machine consist of an electric motor that converts electrical energy into kinetic energyElectric iron, toaster, and stove convert electrical energy into thermal energyAn electric generator converts mechanical energy into electrical energyA television converts electrical energy into sound energy and light energyA light bulb converts electrical energy into thermal energy and light energyA hairdryer converts electrical energy into thermal energy and sound energyThe human body digests food and converts chemical energy into mechanical energy enabling muscles to perform workA campfire burns wood and converts chemical energy into thermal energy and light energyAutomobiles use fuel and convert chemical energy into mechanical energyThe sun transforms nuclear energy into light energy and thermal energyLightning converts electrical energy into light energy, heat energy, and sound energyRubbing hands together converts kinetic energy into thermal energyFlashlight converts electrical energy into light energyAn object speeds up when it falls. Its potential energy is converted into kinetic energyA hydroelectric dam converts gravitational potential energy into electrical energyA bicycle dynamo converts mechanical energy into electrical energyA firecracker transforms chemical potential energy into sound energy and light energyA thermoelectric generator is a device that converts thermal energy into electrical energyRadio transforms electrical energy into sound energyThe kinetic energy carried by the wind rotates a windmill to produce electrical energyAn electrolytic cell converts electrical energy into chemical energy, whereas a voltaic or galvanic cell converts chemical energy into electrical energy
