Energy Transfer and Transformation

Sep 15, 2025

Overview

This lecture introduces the concepts of energy transfer and transformation, explaining how energy moves and changes forms in everyday situations.

Energy Transfer

  • Energy transfer is the movement of energy from one location to another.
  • Examples include electricity moving from a wall plug to an appliance and thermal energy moving from a stove to a pot.

Energy Transformation

  • Energy transformation is the process of changing energy from one form to another.
  • A fan transforms electrical energy into kinetic energy.
  • A flashlight transforms chemical energy into light energy.
  • Automobiles transform chemical energy into kinetic energy.
  • Solar panels transform solar energy into electrical energy.

Law of Conservation of Energy

  • Energy cannot be created or destroyed; it can only be converted from one form to another.
  • The total amount of energy remains constant during transfers and transformations.

Key Terms & Definitions

  • Energy Transfer — The movement of energy from one place to another.
  • Energy Transformation — The process of converting energy from one form to another.
  • Law of Conservation of Energy — Principle stating energy can neither be created nor destroyed, only transformed.

Action Items / Next Steps

  • Review examples of energy transfer and transformation from everyday life.
  • Understand and memorize the law of conservation of energy.