it's the millennium success series : Integrated Science for Junior High Schools Volume

BOOK18

CONVERSION AND CONSERVATION OF ENERGY

INDICATORS and EXEMPLARS Energy recycles/moves/undergoes the

above processes, one after the other, in
At the end of this sub strand, the a repeated fashion/pattern.
student should be able to:
Two or more of the above processes
may occur simultaneously; i.e.
together.
1. Explain the importance of conversion of
energy and energy conservation in daily life Energy transformation occurs when
energy changes from one form to
another.

Whether a given form of energy is either

transformed or transferred, it is always
conserved.
ENERGY TRANSFER, CONVERSION By this conservation, the total amount of
AND CONSERVATION energy involved does not increase or
decrease because none is added; i.e.
created or removed; i.e. destroyed.
Energy is an important commodity that
we come across and use all the time.

Energy undergoes various repeated

changes and processes. It can be Energy Conversion
transferred, transformed or conserved. Energy is an important
requirement/necessity in our daily lives.
Energy transfer is the This is because it helps us to be able to
movement/transport of energy from one work.
location [place] to another. This work could be in the form of
movement, intellectual/brain activity,
Energy conversion [transformation] is change of body position, etc.
the process of changing energy from
one form to another form. There are various kinds of energy.
Generally, each kind is capable of
Energy conservation describes; i.e. talks conversion; i.e. being converted from
about the indestructibility of energy. one kind to another.
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During the conversion process, energy is FORMS/KINDS/TYPES OF ENERGY

neither created nor destroyed, but it is Energy exists and can be found
rather conserved; i.e. only changed into [obtained] in various forms.
other forms.
The process of energy conversion is Examples include; heat [thermal]
governed by the law of energy energy, light energy, electrical energy
conversion.
[electricity], chemical energy, sound
energy, kinetic energy, potential
energy, nuclear energy, etc.
The Law of Energy Conversion

The study of how energy is converted

from one form to another form is called Definitions [descriptions] of the various
thermodynamics. forms of energy

The law of conservation of energy [the 1. Heat [thermal] energy

law of energy conversion] is also the first Heat is a form of energy which travels
law of thermodynamics. from one point to another point due to
temperature difference between the
It states that; “Energy can neither be
two [2] points.
created nor be destroyed but it can only
be transformed/changed from one
form to another form”. Heat energy is measured with an
instrument called calorimeter but it is
recorded in either kelvin [K] or degree
Energy conversion [transformation] is celsius [ OC ]
the process of changing one form of
energy into another form. Note: Heat energy is also known as
thermal energy.
This involves transferring energy from
available forms supplied readily/always
from nature into unavailable forms that
can be used by humans. 2. Light energy
Light is a form of energy and an
Note: 1. Available forms of energy are
electromagnetic radiation that travels
the renewable energy sources which 8
with a velocity [speed] of 3.0 × 10 m/s in
cannot be depleted/finished with
a vacuum.
continuous/repeated use.
2. Unavailable forms of energy are
the non-renewable energy sources Light energy performs two [2] basic
which can be finished/depleted over functions
time as a result of continuous/repeated 1. Light is used by plants to prepare their
use. own food.
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This food is used by both the plants as well The sound we hear from one another
as animals to obtain energy through the when we communicate [converse] is
process of respiration. produced because our speech [voice]
transmits [sends] some energy to the
2. Light promotes vision. surrounding air which causes vibration.
This means that it is used by diurnal
animals to be able to see clearly during When this vibrating waves gets into our
the day. ears, it is detected and interpreted by
Note: Diurnal animals are those animals our brain as sound.
that are usually awake and active during
the day time. Sound energy is recorded in the unit of
decibels.
Sound energy which is above 60
decibels can cause damage to the
3. Electrical energy [electricity] human ears when a person listens to it for
Electricity is the flow of charges [current] a long time, in such an instance, sound
through a conductor. [noise] pollution is said to have
occurred.
Electricity [current] is measured with an
instrument called ammeter but it is Properties [behaviour] of sound energy
recorded in the unit; amperes. Sound energy has some unique
behaviour [properties] that are similar to
those of light energy.
For this reason, sound and light are
4. Chemical energy sometimes compared.
Chemical energy is the type of energy
that is produced as a result of chemical However, it is important to know that light
reactions [processes] like energy travels faster than sound energy.
photosynthesis. The occurrence of lightening and
thunder in the atmosphere is a prove of
Chemical energy is stored [found] in all this process.
the various food substances, crude oil,
gas, petrol, diesel, firewood, charcoal, Reflection of sound energy
dry cells, coal, etc. Sound energy can be reflected when it
hits a hard surface.
An echo is produced anytime that sound
is reflected from a hard surface.
5. Sound energy
Sound is the type of energy that is Uses of echoes
produced by vibrating bodies [objects] Echoes [reflection of sound] have some
like musical instruments in use. important applications and uses.
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These include; 7. Nuclear energy

1. Used to determine the depth of a sea Nuclear energy is type of energy that is
or river bed from the surface of the water. obtained from the nucleus of an atom.

2. Used by sailors to detect barriers and This kind of energy can be used to
obstacles at night. produce electricity or to manufacture
atomic bombs.
3. Used by bats and other nocturnal
animals to avoid flying into objects at
night. 8. Potential energy
Potential energy is the type of energy
Note: Nocturnal animals are animals that is possessed by a body by virtue of
that are usually awake and active only [as a result of] its position with respect to a
during the night time. reference level such as the ground.
Mathematically,
4. Used in the exploration of minerals potential energy [P. E] = m × g × h
beneath the earth. Where; m = mass of body,
g = acceleration due to gravity and
5. Used in ultra sound equipments in the h = height [distance] of the body from
hospital for patient diagnosis. the reference position or the ground.

Note: Any object/body which is either

hanging from a support or resting on a
raised surface contains or possesses
6. Solar energy potential energy.
Solar energy is the type of energy that is
produced and obtained from the Sun. Examples of such instances include;
i. A fruit like mango, orange, coconut,
Solar energy is made up of light energy apple, etc. which is hanging on its tree.
and heat energy.
ii. A church bell that is hanging on its
The light component [part] of solar tower.
energy is used by green plants for
photosynthesis and also by diurnal iii. A boy who is raised in the air by the
animals for vision during the day. father, etc.

On the other hand, the heat component

[part] of solar energy is used for drying 9. Kinetic energy
things like; washed clothes and food Kinetic energy is the type of energy that
items including cocoa beans, corn, fish, is possessed by a body in motion; i.e. a
pepper etc. during preservation. moving body.
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Mathematically, Calculations under mechanical energy

Kinetic energy [K. E.] = 1 × m × v2 [potential energy and kinetic energy]
2
Where; m = mass of body, and 1. A boy of mass 150 kg is running with a
v = velocity [speed] of moving body. velocity of 4m/s. Calculate the kinetic
energy that is possessed by this boy?
Note:1. All bodies from the sky that are solution
falling to the ground have a velocity that mass of boy [m] = 150kg
is equal to the value of g [acceleration velocity of boy [v] = 4m/s
due to gravity]. kinetic energy [K. E.] = ?
So all falling bodies; i.e. bodies under K. E. = 1 × m ×v2
free fall has a value of v to be equal to 2
2
10m/s. K. E. = 1 × 150 × 4
2. Any object/body which is moving; 2
i.e. is in motion contains/possesses K. E. = 1 × 150 × 16
kinetic energy. 2 8
K. E. = 1 × 150 × 16
Examples of such instances include; 21
I. Running/moving water such as a river, K. E. = 150 × 8
stream or a dam. K. E. = 1,200 J
kinetic energy of boy is 1,200 joules;
ii. Moving air [wind]. [remember the S. I. unit of energy]

iii. A bird in flight; i.e. a flying bird. 2. The kinetic energy that is possessed by
a moving car is 300,000 J. Calculate the
iv. An aeroplane in flight. mass of this car if it is moving with a
velocity of 20m/s.
v. A moving car, etc.
Solution
kinetic energy [K. E.] = 300,000 J
velocity [v] = 20m/s
mass [m] = ?
9. Mechanical energy but K. E. = K. E. = 1 × m ×v2
Mechanical energy is the type of energy 2
that deals with all the stages of motion 300,000 = 1 × m × 20
2

[movement] of bodies. 2
300,000 = 1 × m × 400
Mathematically, 2
300,000 = m × 200
Mechanical Potential Kinetic 300,000 = m × 200
=
energy energy + energy 200 200
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1,500 = m, Examples of common everyday

mass of car is 1,500 kg; processes that demonstrate/show
[remember the S. I. unit of mass]. energy conversions include;

3. A church bell of mass 120 kg is Scenario/process Energy conversions

involved
hanging on its tower. If the distance
between the bell and the ground is 35m. 1. Rubbing both Kinetic energy to
hands together Thermal energy
Calculate the potential energy of this bell.
solution 2. A falling object Potential energy to
mass of bell [m] = 120 kg Kinetic energy
height of bell above the ground [h] = Potential energy to
3. Hammering an Kinetic energy to
35m object
acceleration due to gravity [g] = 10m/s Sound energy and
potential energy = ? Thermal energy
P. E. = m × g × h 4. Producing light Chemical energy to
P. E. = 120 × 10 × 35 from dry cell Electrical energy to
P. E. = 42,000 J Light energy
the potential energy of the bell is
42,000J; [remember S. I. unit of energy] Note: Gravitational potential energy is
the type of energy that is stored in a body
4. A boy of mass 56kg was raised into the by virtue of its position in the Earth’s
air by his father. If the potential energy gravitational fields.
that was possessed by the boy in the air
was 2,240 J.
Calculate the height above the ground
to which the boy was raised ? Devices that convert/change some
solution forms of available energy into other
mass of boy [m] = 56 kg useful but unavailable energy form
potential energy [P. E.] = 2240 J
height [h] = ? Every form of energy has a specific
but P. E. = m × g × h activity for which it can be used.
2,240 = 56 × 10 × h This brings up the need to be able to
2,240 = 560 × h change one form of energy into another
2,240 = 560 × h depending on the energy available and
the work that needs to be done.
560 560
4 = h
Over the centuries, a lot of devices and
h = 4m
systems have been developed for this
The height to which the boy was
purpose.
raised above the ground is 4m; Some of these energy converters are
[remember the S.I. unit for length] quite simple. Simple energy converters
include; the wind mill and water wheels.
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Water wheel Such systems require multiple

water direction steps/processes to produce
intermediate forms which has many
associated energy loses.

The production of electricity from fossil

fuels and nuclear fuels are typical
examples.

Similarly, many of the energy converters

rotation
wheel

widely used today involve the

transforming of thermal energy into
electrical energy.

Likewise, the overall efficiency of such

converters are restricted by the laws of
thermodynamics and other scientific
principles.

Wind mill
In recent years, considerable attention
Rotor Blade [focus] has been devoted to certain
direct energy-conversion devices like;
solar cells and fuel cells that bypass the
Gear Box intermediate steps like in the power
Nacelle
generators.
Wind

Generator Fuel cell

current flow
Power Cables

Transmission
Tower
lines

Transformer anode cathode

Other forms of conversion systems are

complex. These converters take raw
energy from fossil fuels and nuclear fuels
to generate electricity.
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Solar cell N type

semiconductor
material

PN junction

current P type
semiconductor
material

RELATED PAST QUESTIONS

changed to
1.Which of the following energy changes
A. thermal energy B. potential
takes place when a church bell is tolled?
energy
A. potential energy to kinetic energy
C. solar energy D. elastic energy
B. kinetic energy to sound energy
E. chemical energy.
C. potential energy to sound energy
[BECE 1996 obj 35]
D. chemical energy to heat energy
E. sound energy to kinetic energy
4. According to the principle of
[BECE 1992 obj. 8]
conservation of energy, energy can
A. be created and destroyed
2. Which of the following is the energy
B. be created but not destroyed
possessed by an object on top of a
C. be destroyed but not created
table?
D. be reduced but not increased
A. kinetic energy B. electrical energy
E. neither be created nor destroyed
C. potential energy D. sound energy
[BECE 1997 0bj. 7]
E. heat energy.
[BECE 1994 obj. 22]
5. Which of the following energy changes
3. When the palms of the hand are takes place when a church bell is tolled?
rubbed together, kinetic energy is A. chemical energy is changed to sound
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energy B. potential energy to kinetic energy

B. kinetic energy is changed to sound C. potential energy to heat energy
energy D. kinetic energy to heat energy
C. potential energy is changed to sound [BECE 2002 (B) obj. 6]
energy
D. potential energy is changed to kinetic 10. The types of energy produced when
energy the hands are vigorously rubbed against
E. thermal energy is changed into sound each other are
energy. A. chemical and electrical energy
[BECE 1998 obj. 19] B. heat and sound energy
C. heat and light energy
6. Which of the following appliances D. electrical and light energy
transforms electrical energy to heat [BECE 2004 obj. 2]
energy?
I. Swish oven 11. Which of the following items converts
II. Hair drier chemical energy to electrical energy?
III. Refrigerator motor A. dry cell B. electric bulb
A. I only B. I and II only C. loudspeaker D. microphone
C. II and III only D. I and III only
E. I, II and III. 12. When a mango is falling from a tree,
a potential energy is changed to
A. sound energy B. heat energy
7. A ball is dropped from a height to the
C. kinetic energy D. chemical energy
ground. The energy possessed by the ball
[BECE 2005 obj. 7]
just before it strikes the ground is called
A. heat energy B. kinetic energy
13. Which of the following energy
C. potential energy D. sound energy
changes takes place in a ringing bell?
[BECE 2002 (A) obj. 8]
A. potential to kinetic
B. potential to sound
8. A body of mass 50kg falls from a height
C. mechanical to sound
of 5m. If the acceleration due to gravity is
D. sound to light.
10m/s2 , calculate the loss in potential
[BECE 2008 obj. 4]
energy ?
A. 50 J B. 250 J C. 500J D. 2,500 J
14. A solar cell produces electrical
[BECE 2002 (A) obj. 10]
energy from
A. electromagnets B. heat
9. When the brakes of a car are applied
C. light D. sound
for a long time, the brakes become hot.
[BECE 2009 obj. 7]
This is because of a change of energy
from
A. kinetic energy to potential energy

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