How is electrical energy transformed?

Energy
transformation

• Energy is the ability to do work. It is power that exists everywhere in

many forms. The main forms of energy are light, chemical,
mechanical, nuclear, electrical, heat, and sound.
• When energy changes form it is called energy transformation.
• Energy transformations occur everywhere in the universe. They take
place constantly. That is because energy cannot be created or destroyed.
 Natural energy
transformations
The Sun is Earth’s primary source of energy.
The nuclear energy of the Sun is constantly
being changed into electromagnetic energy,
which includes light energy. This energy
travels in waves through space. On Earth light
energy from the Sun is used by plants to make
their own food. During a process
called photosynthesis it is transformed into
the chemical energy found in plants. People
and other animals then eat plants as food.
The chemical energy of the food transforms
into heat and mechanical energy. Heat energy
maintains the body’s temperature. Mechanical
energy is the energy the body has because of
its motion and position. Activities such as
breathing, walking, standing, or running
involve mechanical energy.
 Engineered energy
transformations

Wind turbines transform the mechanical energy of the wind into

electrical energy. Power lines transport the electricity from the wind
turbines to buildings. Wires in buildings deliver the electricity to light
bulbs. Electrical energy that reaches a light bulb changes to light and
heat energy. The heat energy is considered to be “wasted” energy.