Physics > Energy Transfer
The following are examples of energy transfer and the ways in which the energy is converted from one type to another. All of these can take place in the classroom and so can be easily demonstrated. Please note that some of the processes listed may produce more than one output energy. For example frictional forces can create heat AND sound.
| Input |
Process |
Output |
| Magnetic |
Induction coil or generator |
Electrical |
| Kinetic |
Through friction caused by a moving surface making contact with another |
Heat |
| Chemical |
Eating food and moving or using batteries in a toy car |
kinetic |
| Elastic potential |
Flicking an elastic band |
kinetic |
| Gravitational potential |
Dropping a ball from a height onto the floor |
sound |
| Light |
An incandescent bulb will become hot if left on for a period of time |
heat |
| Chemical |
This process occurs in batteries |
electrical |
| Gravitational potential |
A ball rolling down a slope |
kinetic |
| Heat |
Convection currents from a flame can “lift” ash into the air |
kinetic |
| Electrical |
Hi-fi speaker |
sound |
| Magnetic |
Small bearings will move towards a strong magnet |
kinetic |
| Elastic potential |
A twisted rubber band can turn a small motor, creating electrical current |
electrical |
| Electrical |
Lamp or LED in a circuit |
light |
| Heat |
Whistling kettle |
sound |