Exploring the Uses of Energy (5.6A)

A student recorded the time it took for all the water in a puddle on a sidewalk to evaporate after a rain. Which kind of energy causes water to evaporate?

• Light energy from streetlights
• Sound energy from passing cars
• Thermal energy from the environment
• Mechanical energy from nearby streets

A science class is observing a pet turtle in a small plastic pool. The students turn on a portable camping lamp that is clamped on to a counter next to the pool. Which kind of energy is used by the portable lamp to produce light?

• Mechanical energy, because the lamp is clamped on to the counter
• Thermal energy, because the lamp increases the temperature of the water
• Electrical energy, because the lamp is battery-operated
• Sound energy, because the lamp vibrates when clicked on

The photograph shows a laser cutting a sheet of metal as the laser moves from one end of the metal to the other. Four groups of students each made a table of examples of the different types of energy involved in this process. Which of these tables is correct?

• 
• 
• 
• 

Eight activities that use energy are listed below: 1. A bus driver starts a bus. 2. A soccer player kicks a ball. 3. A teacher writes notes on a chalkboard. 4. A chef stirs soup on a stove. 5. A bird flaps its wings and chirps to attract a mate. 6. A basketball referee blows a whistle. 7. A waiter pours water into a glass. 8. A person changes the channel on a TV. Each of these activities requires the use of which kind of energy?

• Thermal
• Mechanical
• Electrical
• Sound

Which of these devices is the only one NOT designed to produce both sound and light energy?

• 
• 
• 
• 

A family was vacationing in the mountains in a cabin that had no electrical power. They needed boiling water in order to prepare dried soup mix. With no electrical energy available, which method would most likely provide enough thermal energy to quickly heat the water to boiling?

• Using a microwave oven to heat water in a glass jar for 3 minutes
• Shaking the water in a closed, insulated plastic bottle for 3 minutes
• Shining a battery-powered flashlight on a metal container of water for 10 minutes
• Placing a metal pot of water over glowing charcoal in an outdoor grill for 10 minutes

The toy oven shown uses a lightbulb to bake small cakes. What types of energy does the toy oven use to bake the cakes?

• Electrical and thermal
• Mechanical and electrical
• Thermal and mechanical
• Light and sound

Which object requires only mechanical energy to perform its main function?

• 
• 
• 
• 

A student made a list of activities that involve energy. 1. Sharks chasing a school of fish 2. A toaster heating bread 3. A cell phone charging 4. A tree limb falling to the ground 5. Tomato plants absorbing sunlight 6. A canoe floating down a river Which activities on the list are examples of the use of mechanical energy?

• Activities 1, 4, and 6
• Activities 2, 4, and 5
• Activities 1 and 2
• Activities 3, 5, and 6

An old-fashioned metal toy is shown below. When the candle is lit, the carousel of horses begins to turn. Which of these correctly describes the energy that makes the carousel turn?

• Heat from the candle produces currents of warm air.
• Heat from the candle produces electrical energy.
• Light from the candle produces mechanical energy.
• Light from the candle produces wind currents.