Energy Transfer and Electric Currents

Students built an electrical circuit like the one shown in the diagram. When energy from the battery causes the bulb to light, evidence is provided that--

• Energy moves through the wires and is changed into light energy.

• The bulb reflects sunlight until it shines brightly and makes heat energy.

• The physical properties of the battery are changed by the chemicals inside it.

• The wires that connect the parts of the circuit stop heat energy from flowing.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

NGSS.MS-PS3-5

Which of the following provides evidence that light energy can move from place to place?

• A flashlight turns on when the switch is moved.

• A light bulb gets hot when it is left on for a while.

• The deepest parts of the ocean are very dark.

• Very distant stars can be seen in the night sky.

Students are using a hand-held generator to produce light energy. The light only lights up when the handle is turned.

What can the students do to change the amount of energy that enters the bulb?

• Place a filter over the light bulb.

• Turn the handle at different speeds.

• Change the handle to a smaller one.

• Use a different bulb.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-3

The illustration below shows a lamp that is plugged into an electrical outlet. When the lamp is turned on and the bulb is lit, it shows that electrical energy...

• moves in straight lines.

• is produced by moving water.

• can be transformed into light energy.

• is the fastest moving form of energy.

Write a scientific explanation (CER) to describe how energy is being transformed in the example below:

One morning before school, Lea decided to prepare some toast. Her toast popped up as the toaster made a “ding!” sound, and the warm, glowing orange coils of the toaster caught her eye. As she ate her toast, she wondered where the energy in her toaster came from. The main electrical source in Lea’s town is a local wind turbine farm. The wind turbines turn and cause the blades to spin and create electricity. This electrical energy is then sent to the town’s homes through power lines. Look at the diagram below to see how the energy is transferred from the wind turbines to Lea’s toaster.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

NGSS.MS-PS3-5