Energy Conversion Quiz

A light bulb converts electrical energy into (a)  

• Light only

• Heat only

• Heat and light

Answer explanation

A light bulb converts electrical energy into both heat and light. While it primarily emits light, a significant amount of energy is also released as heat, making 'Heat and light' the correct answer.

What energy change takes place when Sam plugs a radio into an electrical outlet?

• Light energy changes into sound energy

• Electrical energy changes into sound energy

• Sound energy changes into electrical energy

Answer explanation

When Sam plugs the radio into an outlet, electrical energy from the outlet is converted into sound energy, allowing the radio to produce sound. Thus, the correct answer is that electrical energy changes into sound energy.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-5

What energy change, or conversion, takes place in a gas-powered lawnmower?

• Light energy changes into sound energy.

• Chemical energy changes into mechanical energy.

• Light energy changes into electrical energy.

Answer explanation

In a gas-powered lawnmower, the chemical energy stored in fuel is converted into mechanical energy, which powers the engine and drives the blades. This is the primary energy conversion that enables the lawnmower to function.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-5

Match the following materials with their properties as insulators or conductors.

• Poor conductor of heat, often used for handles to prevent burns.

• Aluminum

• Good conductor of electricity and heat, often used in kitchen utensils.

• Copper

• Strong and durable, used in construction and tools, conducts heat.

• Steel

• Excellent conductor of electricity, used in electrical wiring.

• Wood

Ava is planning to take a hot sandwich to school for lunch. She wants to wrap it in something to keep it warm. If she knows her insulators and conductors, which wrap will she use?

• Foam wrap

• Plastic wrap

• Wax paper

• Aluminum foil

Answer explanation

Ava should use foam wrap because it is an effective insulator, helping to keep her hot sandwich warm. Unlike aluminum foil or plastic wrap, foam wrap minimizes heat transfer, making it the best choice for insulation.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

NGSS.MS-PS3-3

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

Mrs. Miszak is watching some builders while they are putting up the walls of a house. He notices that there is a small space between the outer and inner walls of the house. Think about insulators and conductors. Which of the following will the builders most likely use as an insulator between the walls?

• Plastic foam

• Layers of wood

• Shredded paper

• Thick aluminum

Answer explanation

Plastic foam is an effective insulator due to its low thermal conductivity, making it ideal for reducing heat transfer between the walls. In contrast, aluminum is a conductor, and wood and shredded paper are less effective insulators.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS3-3

(a)   keeps heat out of a garden shed during summer.

• Steel

• Wood

• Copper

• Aluminum

Answer explanation

Wood is an effective insulator, helping to keep heat out of a garden shed during summer. Unlike metals like steel and aluminum, which conduct heat, wood's properties help maintain a cooler environment.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS3-3

Angelo needs a good insulator. Which material should he choose?

• Iron

• Steel

• Foam

• Copper

Answer explanation

Foam is an excellent insulator due to its low thermal conductivity, making it ideal for preventing heat transfer. In contrast, iron, steel, and copper are metals that conduct heat well, making them poor insulators.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS3-3

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

Match the following materials with their conductivity properties.

• Material used for insulating handles

• Newspapers

• Material used for printing

• Plastic bags

• Material used in electrical wiring

• Wood chips

• Material used for packaging

• Copper wire

How does wool affect heat transfer when Gavin wears wool socks with his winter boots?

• Wool is an insulator that keeps Gavin’s feet from losing heat.

• Wool is an insulator that provides heat to keep Gavin’s feet warm.

• Wool is a conductor that transfers heat from Gavin’s feet to his boots.

• Wool is a conductor that keeps Gavin’s feet warm.

Answer explanation

Wool is an insulator, meaning it reduces heat transfer. When Gavin wears wool socks, they help retain his body heat, preventing his feet from losing warmth to the colder environment, which is why this choice is correct.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-3

NGSS.MS-PS3-4