Question

part 2: energy diagram
the diagram below shows the transfer of energy from the sun all the way to a student using a computer. using the summary of energy types table, decide on the type of energy at each situation. hint: there may be more than one type at each labeled number.
① inside of sun
② energy transferred to earth
③ plant grew through photosynthesis
④ fossil fuels formed over millions of years from dead plants
⑤ fossil fuels are taken from the ground and refined
⑥ power plant burns fossil fuels
⑦ energy is transferred to the community
⑧ computer uses energy
1 light
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

Explanation:

Step1: Identify energy in sun

The sun produces energy through nuclear - fusion reactions. So the energy inside the sun is nuclear energy.

Step2: Energy transferred to Earth

The energy transferred from the sun to the Earth is in the form of electromagnetic radiation, mainly light and heat (thermal energy). So it is light and thermal energy.

Step3: Energy in photosynthesis

During photosynthesis, plants convert light energy into chemical energy stored in the bonds of glucose. So it is light and chemical energy.

Step4: Energy in fossil fuels

Fossil fuels store chemical energy that was originally captured by plants through photosynthesis. So it is chemical energy.

Step5: Energy during fossil - fuel refining

When fossil fuels are taken from the ground and refined, the main form of energy is still chemical energy stored in the fuel molecules. So it is chemical energy.

Step6: Energy in power - plant burning

When fossil fuels are burned in a power plant, chemical energy is converted into thermal energy (heat), which is then used to produce mechanical energy to drive turbines, and finally electrical energy. So it is chemical, thermal, mechanical and electrical energy.

Step7: Energy transferred to community

The energy transferred to the community is electrical energy through power lines. So it is electrical energy.

Step8: Energy in computer use

A computer uses electrical energy to perform various functions such as processing data, lighting up the screen etc. So it is electrical energy.

Answer:

1. Nuclear
2. Light, Thermal
3. Light, Chemical
4. Chemical
5. Chemical
6. Chemical, Thermal, Mechanical, Electrical
7. Electrical
8. Electrical