Energy Transformation

Concept sheet | Science and Technology

Secondary 3 (AST)

Energy transformation is an electrical function performed by any electrical component capable of transforming electrical energy into another form of energy.

Examples

A light bulb, a heating element and an electric motor are components that transform energy in an electrical circuit.

A flashlight.

The light bulb in a flashlight

Source: Adapted from Nor Gal, Shutterstock.com

A light bulb transforms electrical energy into radiant energy.

Metal filaments heat the inside of a toaster.

The heating element in a toaster

Source: Adapted from BFunkhouser, Shutterstock.com

A heating element transforms electrical energy into thermal energy.

An electric toy car.

The motor in an electric toy car

Source: Adapted from ainarhamra, Shutterstock.com

An electric motor element transforms electrical energy into mechanical energy.

'

Secondary 4

Energy transformation is an electrical function performed by any electrical component capable of transforming electrical energy into another form of energy.

Examples

A light bulb, a heating element, an electric motor, a speaker, an audible warning device and a piezoelectric crystal are all components that transform energy in an electrical circuit.

A flashlight.

The light bulb in a flashlight

Source: Adapted from Nor Gal, Shutterstock.com

A light bulb transforms electrical energy into radiant energy.

Metal filaments heat the inside of a toaster.

The heating element in a toaster

Source: Adapted from BFunkhouser, Shutterstock.com

A heating element transforms electrical energy into thermal energy.

An electric toy car.

The motor of an electric toy car

Source: Adapted from ainarhamra, Shutterstock.com

An electric motor element transforms electrical energy into mechanical energy.

A computer speaker.

A speaker

Source: Adapted from New Africa, Shutterstock.com

A speaker transforms electrical energy into mechanical energy (sound).

An audible warning device, or an alarm.

An audible warning device

Source: Adapted from Mohd Rodi, Shutterstock.com

An audible warning device, or an alarm, transforms electrical energy into mechanical energy (sound).

The inside of a quartz watch.

A piezoelectric crystal inside a quartz watch

Source: Adapted from mujijoa79, Shutterstock.com

A piezoelectric crystal transforms electrical energy into mechanical energy (vibration). In a quartz watch, electrical oscillations cause the crystal to vibrate. These vibrations are used to measure time.

A piezoelectric crystal can also transform mechanical energy into electrical energy. In this capacity, it functions as a power supply.

'