Energy Transformations and Conservation of Energy

Front

What happens to potential energy as a roller coaster goes downhill?

Back

Potential energy is converted into kinetic energy.

Front

Describe the energy transfer when a pole vaulter plants his pole and rises in the air.

Back

Kinetic energy is converted to elastic energy, which is then converted to gravitational potential energy.

Front

What energy transformation occurs when water falls through a dam and turns a turbine?

Back

Mechanical energy is transformed into electrical energy, which is then transformed into radiant energy.

Front

Why is it difficult to walk on an oily floor?

Back

The amount of friction is reduced.

Front

What device likely produces the energy transformation: Electrical → Mechanical → Sound?

Back

A speaker or a fan.

Front

Define kinetic energy.

Back

Kinetic energy is the energy of an object in motion.

Front

Define potential energy.

Back

Potential energy is the stored energy of an object due to its position or state.

Front

What is the law of conservation of energy?

Back

Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another.

Front

Give an example of energy transformation in a light bulb.

Back

Electrical energy is transformed into light energy and thermal energy.

Front

What type of energy is stored in a compressed spring?

Back

Elastic potential energy.