13.

STRAND 4: FORCES AND ENERGY: SUB-STRAND 3:

CONVERSION AND CONSERVATION OF ENERGY
How energy can be converted from one form to another
Energy can be converted from one form to another through various physical processes. For example,
when we use a battery to power a light bulb, electrical energy is converted to light and heat energy.
When we burn fuel in an engine, chemical energy is converted to mechanical energy to move a vehicle.
Here are some examples of how energy can be converted from one form to another:
1. Chemical to thermal energy: When we burn wood, natural gas, or other fossil fuels, chemical energy
is converted to heat energy.
2. Electrical to mechanical energy: When we run an electric motor, electrical energy is converted to
mechanical energy to drive a machine or appliance.
3. Radiant to thermal energy: When we stand in sunlight, radiant energy is absorbed by our skin and
converted to thermal energy, making us feel warmer.
4. Mechanical to electrical energy: When we use a generator, mechanical energy (e.g. from a turbine) is
converted to electrical energy.
5. Nuclear to electrical energy: In a nuclear power plant, the heat generated by nuclear reactions is used
to generate steam, which then drives a turbine to produce electrical energy.

Differences between conversion of energy and conservation

Conversion of energy refers to the process of
transforming energy from one form to another.
For instance, conversion of electrical energy
to light energy in a bulb, or conversion of
chemical energy to kinetic energy in a car.
This process involves the transfer of energy
from one object or system to another.
On the other hand, conservation of energy
refers to the principle that energy can neither
be created nor destroyed, but can only be
transferred or converted from one form to
another. In other words, the total amount of
energy in a closed system remains constant,
and energy cannot be created or lost in the
system.
 Application of Conversion of Energy to life
1. Power generation: Energy conversion is used to generate electricity, which is used to power
homes, businesses, and industries.
2. Transportation: Energy conversion is used in the form of internal combustion engines, electric
motors, and other systems to power vehicles such as cars, trucks, trains, and airplanes.
3. Cooking: Energy conversion is used to convert the chemical energy stored in fuels such as wood,
gas, and electricity to heat energy used for cooking.
4. Heating and cooling: Energy conversion is used to heat and cool homes and buildings through the
use of furnaces, boilers, air conditioners, and heat pumps.
5. Lighting: Energy conversion is used to convert electricity into light for indoor and outdoor
lighting.
6. Electronics: Energy conversion is used in electronic devices such as smartphones, computers, and
televisions to convert electrical energy into other forms of energy such as light, sound, and
electromagnetic waves.
7. Medical devices: Energy conversion is used in medical devices such as X-ray machines,
ultrasound machines, and MRI scanners to produce images and diagnose medical conditions .

Application of Conservation of Energy

Here are some applications of the law of conservation of energy to life:
1. Energy efficiency: The law of conservation of energy is used to design and improve energy-
efficient systems, such as buildings, appliances, and vehicles. By minimizing energy waste, we can
reduce our environmental impact and save money on energy bills.
2. Renewable energy: The conservation of energy principle underlies the use of renewable energy
sources, such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. These sources of energy are sustainable
because they do not deplete natural resources and can be replenished over time.
3. Climate change: The law of conservation of energy is also relevant to climate change, as the
burning of fossil fuels releases large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which traps
heat and causes global temperatures to rise. By reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and
transitioning to renewable energy sources, we can mitigate the impacts of climate change.
4. Energy storage: The conservation of energy principle is also important for energy storage, which
enables us to use energy when it is needed, rather than when it is generated. Energy can be stored
in various forms, such as batteries, fuel cells, and pumped hydro storage, allowing us to access
energy even when it is not being generated by renewable sources.