Question

when energy is changed from one form to another, some of the energy is lost to the surroundings as waste thermal energy. the more steps needed to arrive at the desired energy or the more types of energy that are generated, the more energy is wasted. which object would likely have the least amount of wasted energy? a hairdryer a solar cell a car engine a hydroelectric dam

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze hairdryer

A hairdryer converts electrical energy mainly to thermal and kinetic energy. There are losses as heat dissipated to the air, so it wastes energy.

Step2: Analyze solar cell

A solar cell directly converts sunlight (solar energy) into electrical energy with relatively few intermediate energy - conversion steps and less energy loss compared to others.

Step3: Analyze car engine

A car engine converts chemical energy of fuel into mechanical energy. There are multiple steps like combustion, heat - transfer, and mechanical motion, resulting in significant energy losses as heat and friction.

Step4: Analyze hydroelectric dam

A hydroelectric dam converts the potential and kinetic energy of water into electrical energy. There are mechanical components like turbines and generators, and some energy is lost as friction and heat in the process.

Answer:

B. a solar cell