UNIT B:

ENERGY FLOW IN
TECHNOLOGICAL
SYSTEMS
SCIENCE 10 - PHYSICS
SECTION 2.1
FORMS OF ENERGY
 UNIT B: SECTION 2.1 OUTCOMES
❖ illustrate, by use of examples from natural and technological systems, that energy exists in a variety
of forms (e.g., mechanical, chemical, thermal, nuclear, solar)
❖ describe, qualitatively, current and past technologies used to transform energy from one form to
another, and that energy transfer technologies produce measurable changes in motion, shape or
temperature (e.g., hydroelectric and coal-burning generators, solar heating panels, windmills, fuel
cells; describe examples of Aboriginal applications of thermodynamics in tool making, design of
structures and heating)
❖ define gravitational potential energy as the work against gravity
❖ describe, qualitatively and in terms of thermodynamic laws, the energy transformations occurring in
devices and systems (e.g., automobile, bicycle coming to a stop, thermal power plant, food chain,
refrigerator, heat pump, permafrost storage pits for food)
❖ analyze and illustrate how the concept of energy developed from observation of heat and mechanical
devices (e.g., the investigations of Rumford and Joule; the development of pre-contact First Nations
and Inuit technologies based on an understanding of thermal energy and transfer)
ENERGY
• The idea of energy eluded early scientists
because energy is a very difficult concept
to define.

• By the 1850s, scientists were convinced

of the existence of a scientific concept
called energy. However, energy was still
difficult to describe because it involves
only an abstract idea, not a material
object.
 TYPES OF ENERGY
• While there are many types of energy, many forms can be classified as
either potential or kinetic energy
1) Potential Energy
(Ep ) is stored energy

•There are many

different types of
potential energy:
CHEMICAL ENERGY
• Chemical Potential Energy:
potential energy stored in the chemical
bonds of compounds
– Ex. When wood burns, the energy in the
cellulose molecules is released, turning to
heat. This is evidence that there is energy
in a chemical reaction, and that this energy
can be converted to heat.
– Ex. The food you eat contains chemical
energy that the body uses to do work in
the cells.
 ELECTRICAL ENERGY
• Electrical Potential Energy: work
done by moving charges; energy produced
by moving electrons.
• Electrical energy is energy that's stored in
charged particles within an electric field.
• Electric fields are simply areas surrounding
a charged particle.
– Ex. electric current moves from the wall
outlet into the light bulb in the lamp supplying
electrical energy
NUCLEAR ENERGY
•Nuclear Potential Energy:
potential energy stored in the
nucleus of an atom
– When the nucleus of an atom is
split (nuclear fission) or when the
nuclei of two atoms combine
(nuclear fusion), this energy is
released.
SOLAR ENERGY
•Solar Energy: energy from the
Sun; generated by a
hydrogen–hydrogen nuclear
fusion reaction
– This radiant energy travels to
Earth as electromagnetic
radiation. It is converted to other
forms of energy such as heat.
GRAVITATIONAL
POTENTIAL ENERGY
•Gravitational Potential
Energy: energy of an object
because of its position above
the surface of Earth
–An object raised above Earth’s
surface has the potential to do
work because of its position
ELASTIC POTENTIAL ENERGY
F) Elastic Potential
Energy – the Energy
stored in a
compressed spring or
a stretched elastic
2. KINETIC ENERGY
•Kinetic Energy: energy of a
moving object
–Flowing water, wind, or any
object in motion could be
made to do work because of
its motion, and thus has kinetic
energy.
MECHANICAL ENERGY

•Mechanical Energy: energy

due to the motion and
position of an object
– mechanical energy is takes
into account both kinetic and
potential energy
POTENTIAL, KINETIC AND MECHANICAL –
BIG 3
HEAT &
THERMODYNAMICS
•Heat: energy transferred from an
object at a higher temperature to
one at a lower temperature; thermal
energy

•Thermodynamics: study of the

interrelationships between heat,
work, and energy
FORMS OF ENERGY
 ENERGY CONVERSIONS

Energy is never created

or destroyed, only
transferred from one
object to another

Sometimes when energy

is transferred it can also
be converted from one
type to another
ENERGY CONVERSIONS
An energy conversion refers to the transformation of energy from
one form to another
In each example below, a device converts one type of energy input
into a different type of energy output
• A flashlight converts chemical potential energy (battery) into
electromagnetic energy (light)
• A windmill converts kinetic energy (wind) into electrical energy
• A car engine converts chemical potential energy into kinetic
energy
• A solar panel converts electromagnetic energy (solar) into
electrical energy
• A hydrogen fuel cell converts chemical energy to electrical
 VOLTA PILE – THE FIRST BATTERY
⚫ one notable energy conversion was a
device invented by Alessandro Volta
called the Volta pile
⚫ the Volta Pile converted the chemical
potential energy of different metals into
electrical energy and was, therefore, the
first battery
JOULE’S EXPERIMENTS
• James Joule performed two experiments to demonstrate energy
transformations:
– Experiment #1: showed that a falling object (that had potential energy)
can create heat (thermal energy)
– Experiment #2: showed that a moving object (that had kinetic energy) can
create heat
– Because of his work on energy, the unit we use to quantify it is called the
joule
• Joule’s work came at an important time – working at the start of the Industrial
Revolution, people were very interested in designing machines that could
perform useful work – that is, transform one type of energy into mechanical
energy
JOULE’S PADDLEWHEEL
EXPERIMENT
HOMEWORK:
•READ PG. 165-170
•PG. 172 #1-14
SECTION 2.2
POTENTIAL ENERGY
UNIT B: SECTION 2.2 OUTCOMES

❖ define kinetic energy as energy due to motion, and define potential energy as energy due to
relative position or condition
❖ relate gravitational potential energy to work done using Ep = mgh and W = Fd and show that
a change in energy is equal to work done on a system: ∆Ε =W
 WHAT IS POTENTIAL ENERGY?
Potential energy is stored energy.
It can only be observed when it is
transformed into some other type
of energy

– E.g. Gravitational potential energy

cannot be observed until you allow an
object to fall
– E.g. Chemical energy in a fuel cannot be
observed, but once the fuel burns in
your gas tank the car moves
GRAVITATIONAL
POTENTIAL ENERGY
• Gravitational Potential Energy:
energy of an object because of its
position above the surface of Earth
– An object raised above Earth’s
surface has the potential to do work
because of its position
– When dropped the object will
transform the potential energy to
kinetic energy
MASS VS. WEIGHT
• The mass of an object is a measure of the amount of matter that makes it up.
• Mass is independent of gravity.
– An object will have the same mass on Earth as it does on the moon, or even in a region
where there is no gravity.
• Mass is a scalar quantity, and is measured in kilograms (kg).
MASS VS. WEIGHT
• The weight of an object is the force it exerts as it is acted upon by gravity.
– Because of the difference in gravity, your weight on the moon is 1/6 of the weight on the
earth.
DETERMINING WEIGHT
•
PRACTICE EXAMPLE 1:
•What is the weight of a person
on earth who has a mass of 60
kg?
CALCULATING GRAVITATIONAL
POTENTIAL ENERGY
•
WHERE IS THIS FORMULA IS DERIVED
FROM?
MANIPULATING TO
SOLVE FOR THE
MISSING VARIABLE
•
CHANGE OF ENERGY
•
PRACTICE EXAMPLE 1:
• A 3.00 kg box is lifted above the surface of the
earth to the top of a table that is 1.50 m tall.
What is the potential energy stored in the box
at this new position?
PRACTICE EXAMPLE 2:
• A 55.0 kg diver on a diving platform has
a gravitational potential energy of 5.40 x
103 J. What is the vertical height of the
diving platform
PRACTICE EXAMPLE 3:
• An 800-g bird has 47.0 J of gravitational potential
energy when it is perched high up in a tree.
Calculate the bird’s vertical height from the
ground.
PRACTICE EXAMPLES 4
& 5:
• A child with a mass of 25.0 kg is at the top of
a slide in an amusement park. If the vertical
height of the slide is 4.00 m, calculate the
gravitational potential energy of the child
relative to the ground.

• A hanging street light is 3.00 m above the

ground and has 1.47 x 103 J of gravitational
potential energy. Calculate the mass of the
sign.
RECALL: TYPES OF
POTENTIAL ENERGY
• Potential energy is energy that is stored.
There are different types of potential
energy:
– Gravitational Potential Energy: energy stored in an
object at any distance above the earth’s surface
– Elastic Potential Energy: a change in shape of an
object as a result of being stretched or compressed
• Ex: elastic or spring
– Chemical Potential Energy: energy stored in the
bonds of chemical compounds. When a chemical change
takes place energy is released
• Ex: gasoline combustion
OTHER TYPES OF POTENTIAL ENERGY
•As mentioned, there are other types of potential energy,
but unlike Ep(grav), they do not require a special formula
•Whenever work is done on an object to give it potential
energy, its Ep can be calculated using a formula we’ve
already seen: W = Fd, where
–W = the work done on the object and therefore its
potential E
–F = the force applied to the object, in N
–d = the distance over which the force was applied, in m
 PRACTICE EXAMPLE 2:
•An athlete stretches a
resistance band 20 cm with a
force of 50 N. How much
elastic potential energy
does the tubing have?
•Ep = W = Fd
MATHEMATICS AND PHYSICS (7 MIN)
HOMEWORK:
•PG. 178 # 1-9
SECTION 2.3
KINETIC ENERGY AND MOTION
UNIT B: SECTION 2.3 OUTCOMES

❖ quantify kinetic energy using Ek = 1/2 mv2 and relate this concept to energy conservation in
transformations (e.g., for an object falling a distance “h” from rest: mgh = Fd = 1/2 mv2 )
KINETIC ENERGY
•
KINETIC ENERGY AND MASS
•
KINETIC ENERGY AND VELOCITY
•
PRACTICE EXAMPLE 1:
• A 0.300 kg ball is pushed horizontally at a
speed of 20.0 m/s. Calculate the kinetic
energy of the ball at the moment it starts
to move.
PRACTICE EXAMPLE 2:
• Calculate the kinetic energy of an
electron with a mass of 9.11 × 10–31 kg
moving at a uniform speed of 2.00 × 105
m/s.
MANIPULATING TO
SOLVE FOR THE
MISSING VARIABLE
•
PRACTICE EXAMPLE 3:
• A small toy moving horizontally at a uniform
speed of 2.2 m/s has a kinetic energy of 18 J.
Calculate the mass of the toy.
PRACTICE EXAMPLE 4:
• A baseball with a mass of 300 g has a
kinetic energy of 304 J. Calculate the
speed of the baseball.
PRACTICE EXAMPLES 5,
6&7:
• A moving toy with a mass of 7.4 kg has
a kinetic energy of 18 J. Calculate the
speed of the toy.
• The kinetic energy of an object moving
at a speed of 14.2 m/s was determined
to be 950 J. What is the mass of the
object?
• What is the speed of an 800 kg
automobile if it has a kinetic energy of
9.00 x 104 J?
HOMEWORK:
•PG. 182 #1-7, 10
SECTION 2.4
MECHANICAL ENERGY
MECHANICAL ENERGY
• The term mechanical energy
means the sum of an object’s
potential and kinetic energy.
• When work is done on an
object, the object gains energy
as a result.
– An object is gaining kinetic energy
if it increases its speed.
– An object is gaining gravitational
potential energy if it is getting
higher above the reference point
(typically the ground).
CALCULATING MECHANICAL ENERGY
•
CALCULATING MECHANICAL ENERGY
•
PRACTICE EXAMPLE 1:
• A seagull flying horizontally at 8.00 m/s carries a
clam with a mass of 300 g in its beak. Calculate
the total mechanical energy of the clam when
the seagull is 30.0 m above the ground.
PRACTICE EXAMPLES 2 &
3:
• A 55.0 kg high-jump athlete leaps into the air in
an attempt to clear the bar. At the top of the
leap, the athlete has a total mechanical energy of
3.00 × 103 J and is moving at 8.33 m/s. Calculate
the gravitational potential energy of the athlete.
• A construction worker drops a 2.00 kg hammer
from a roof. When the hammer is 50.0 m
above the ground, it has a total mechanical
energy of 1.88 × 103 J. Calculate the kinetic
energy of the hammer.
LAW OF CONSERVATION OF ENERGY
• “Within a closed, isolated system, energy can change form, but the total amount of
mechanical energy remains constant.”
• A closed, isolated system means that it is isolated from external forces, so no work
can be done on it (i.e. energy can’t be added or taken away).
– It is sometimes referred to as a frictionless system.
• All this really means is that potential energy is being converted to kinetic energy, or vice
versa.
FRICTION
• Friction is the greatest
source of “waste” energy.
• It is useless to the system
and causes potential
energy to be transferred
to heat instead of useful
kinetic energy.
– Friction “dissipates” energy
as useless heat.
LAW OF CONSERVATION OF ENERGY
•
LAW OF CONSERVATION OF ENERGY
•
PENDULUM
CONSERVATION OF MECHANICAL ENERGY
 PENDULUM
Mechanical Energy and the Pendulum

h1 h5
h2 h4
 PENDULUM
• No matter where we are in the swing of the pendulum
the EM value is constant, and is always calculated by
adding the Ek and Ep at that point in time
PRACTICE EXAMPLE 1:
• A 10.0 kg water balloon is dropped from
a height of 12.0 m. Calculate the speed
of the balloon just before it hits the
ground.
PRACTICE EXAMPLE 2:
• A 30.0 kg child on a trampoline jumps
vertically into the air at an initial speed of
1.60 m/s. Calculate how high the child will
rise.
PRACTICE EXAMPLES 3
& 4:
• A 20.0 g dart is fired from a dart gun with a
horizontal speed of 4.10 m/s. The total
mechanical energy of the dart is 0.481 J. Calculate
the gravitational potential energy of the dart.

• A pendulum consists of a 500 g metal ball

suspended on a 50.0 cm string. The ball is pulled
horizontally and up a total vertical distance of 10.0
cm. It is then released. At the bottom of the arc,
the mechanical energy of the ball was determined
to be 0.491 J. What was the speed of the ball at
the bottom of its arc?
a) Em = Ep + Ek b) Em = E p + E k c) Em = Ep + Ek d) Em = E p + E k
Em = 100% + 0% Em = 75% + 25% Em = 25% + 75% Em = 0% + 100%
Em = 100% Em = 100% Em = 100%
Em = 100%

The total amount of energy stays the same.

HOMEWORK:
•PG. 188 # 1-7, 9
SECTION 2.5
ENERGY CONVERSIONS
UNIT B: SECTION 2.5 OUTCOMES
❖ describe, qualitatively and in terms of thermodynamic laws, the energy transformations
occurring in devices and systems (e.g., automobile, bicycle coming to a stop, thermal power
plant, food chain, refrigerator, heat pump, permafrost storage pits for food)
❖ describe how the first and second laws of thermodynamics have changed our understanding of
energy conversions (e.g., why heat engines are not 100% efficient)
❖ define, operationally, “useful” energy from a technological perspective, and analyze the stages
of “useful” energy transformations in technological systems (e.g., hydroelectric dam)
ENERGY CONVERSIONS
• Energy conversions are seen all around us in our every day lives.
– When you turn on a light, electricity is converted to light and heat.
– When you eat lunch, your body converts the chemical potential energy in the food to
electrical impulses, kinetic energy and many other forms of energy.

• Often times multiple energy conversions

are required before a desired effect is
seen.
– For example, when you strike a
match the mechanical energy of the
motion is converted to heat. The
heat then causes the match to release
stored chemical potential energy that
gets converted to both light and heat.
ENERGY CONVERSIONS
IN NATURE
• Two major energy conversions occur in nature,
and will be addressed in the Biology Unit:
1. Photosynthesis is the conversion of solar
energy into chemical potential energy and is
performed by plants
2. Cellular Respiration is the conversion of
chemical potential energy into useful energy
like: energy of motion, thermal energy, and
energy to drive biochemical reactions. Tis
energy transformation is performed by all living
organisms
EVIDENCE OF ENERGY CONVERSIONS
•There are several ways energy conversions can be
observed:
– A change in motion
– A change in position
– A change in shape
– A change in temperature
EVIDENCE OF
ENERGY
CONVERSIONS
• There are several ways
energy conversions can
be observed:
– Motion: work, which is
related to a change in
energy, happens when
an object has a force
applies and moves
through a distance. This
is observed by motion.
EVIDENCE OF
ENERGY
CONVERSIONS
• There are several ways
energy conversions can
be observed:
– A change in position:
gravitational potential
energy can be seen when
an object changes its
position to be above the
surface of the earth. As
it falls the potential
energy is converted to
kinetic.
EVIDENCE OF
ENERGY
CONVERSIONS
• There are several ways energy
conversions can be observed:
– A change in shape: in
elastic potential energy a
spring is compressed and
an elastic is stretched, and
when they are released the
potential energy stored in
the change of shape is
released.
EVIDENCE OF
ENERGY
CONVERSIONS
• There are several ways
energy conversions can be
observed:
– A change in
temperature: energy
can be transferred in
the form of heat, such
as when a pot of water
boils or friction acts on
an object.
NATURAL ENERGY
CONVERSIONS
• Nuclear fission in the sun →
Radiation travels to the earth →
light strikes plants and
photosynthesis in the cells occurs →
photosynthesis converts light energy
to chemical energy → animals eat
plants and the chemical energy is
converted to ATP which can be used
and heat → plants and animals die
and are buried deep under layers of
sediment → when these fossil fuels
are burned they release the energy
trapped there
HYDRO-ELECTRIC
DAMS
• Water reservoir behind a
dam has potential energy
→ Water flows down
into the generator gaining
kinetic energy → the
kinetic energy turns the
turbines → kinetic energy
is transformed into
electrical energy by the
turbines magnetic field
COAL BURNING
POWER STATION
• Coal is combusted which
releases stored potential energy
→ the potential energy is
converted into heat → the heat
then changes the water in a large
boiler to steam → steam is
converted to kinetic energy as
the turbines rotate → rotating
turbines convert the kinetic
energy into electrical energy in
the generator
NUCLEAR
REACTORS
• Nuclear fission releases stored
nuclear potential energy as
radiation → radiation is
converted into thermal energy →
the thermal energy turns water
into steam → steam causes
turbines to move using kinetic
energy → the kinetic energy is
transformed to electrical energy
in generators
SOLAR CELLS
• Sun light hits a solar panel and
converts the energy directly to
electricity.
• A solar cell is composed of layers of
silicon and other elements.
• Electrons are normally bound in the
silicon crystals, however when
sunlight hits the silicon layers the
other elements become positively and
negatively charged, and begin to act
like a battery.
• Current flows from the positive to
the negative end of the chemicals in
the cell.
HOMEWORK:
•READ PG. 190-195
•PG. 195 #1-6, 8-10