Energy Conversion

The Peekskill meteor clearly shows that energy can change forms. Energy can be converted from one form to another. The process of changing energy from one form to another is energy conversion.

Not all energy conversions are as dramatic as the Peekskill meteor. Energy conversions are constantly taking place all around you, often without you noticing. Wind-up toys store elastic potential energy in a compressed spring. When the spring unwinds, potential energy is converted into the kinetic energy of the toy's moving parts. Light bulbs convert electrical energy into thermal energy and electromagnetic energy.

In some cases, energy is converted from one form into another in a series of steps. The striking of the match shown in Figure 10 is a good example. In lighting a match, your muscles use chemical energy moving your hand to strike the match against a rough area on the matchbox. Friction between the match and the matchbox converts some of the match's kinetic energy into thermal energy. The thermal energy triggers a chemical reaction on the match tip, releasing some of the match's stored chemical energy. The stored chemical energy is then converted into thermal energy and electromagnetic energy in the flame.

Figure 10 Energy is converted from one form to another as this match is lit.
Applying Concepts What energy conversions take place when you turn on a battery-powered portable radio?

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