University of Wisconsin-Stevens point > CNR linked Programs > Wisconsin K-12 Energy education and learning Program > energy Education: Concepts and also Practices > ar B: energy Transfer
​ Unit 2: Energy Rules!

Section B. Power Transfer

Energy Transfer

The 2 ways that power can be transferred room by law work and by warmth transfer.

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Doing Work 

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Energy deserve to be transferred from one object to one more by law work. To do occupational requires the an agent exert a force on an object over a distance. When work-related is done, power is transferred from the agent to the object, which results in a change in the object's movement (more specifics a readjust in the object's kinetic energy). 

An example of exactly how Doing work-related Transfers power from One object to Another

Suppose the a human being (the agent) exerts a force on a wheelbarrow (the object) that is at first at rest, resulting in it to move over a certain distance. Recall that the work-related done top top the wheelbarrow by the human is equal to the product that the person's force multiplied by the distance traveled by the wheelbarrow. Notice that once the pressure is exerted on the wheelbarrow, there's a readjust in its motion. That is kinetic power increases. However where go the wheelbarrow get its kinetic energy? It come from the human being exerting the force, who used chemical power stored in the food they ate to move the wheelbarrow. In various other words, once the human being did work on the wheelbarrow, they moved a specific amount of chemical power to the wheelbarrow, bring about it to move. Together a result, the person's save of chemical power decreases and also the wheelbarrow's kinetic power increases.

Heat Transfer 

Heat is the move of energy from a warmer object to a cooler object. For example, a lighted enhance (higher temperature object) will certainly transfer heat to a large pan filled v lukewarm water (lower temperature object). Note that the actual amount of thermal energy each object has actually doesn't matter, together the pan the lukewarm water might have more thermal energy than the match. What is essential for warm transfer come take location is a difference in temperature between two objects. There is no this difference, no warmth transfer can take place.

Heat have the right to be moved in three ways: by conduction, by convection, and also by radiation.

Conduction is the deliver of energy from one molecule to an additional by direct contact. This carry occurs as soon as molecules hit against each other, similar to a video game of pool whereby one moving ball strikes another, bring about the 2nd to move. Conduction takes place in solids, liquids, and gases, yet works best in products that have simple molecules that are situated close to each other. Because that example, steel is a better conductor than wood or plastic.

Convection is the activity of warmth by a fluid such together water or air. The fluid (liquid or gas) moves from one location to another, delivering heat in addition to it. This motion of a massive of boil water or waiting is dubbed a current.

Radiation is the transport of warmth by electromagnetic waves. When you stand in the sun, you space warmed through the electromagnetic waves, largely infrared radiation (and to a lesser extent, visible light), that travels indigenous the sun to Earth. In addition to the sun, irradiate bulbs, irons, and toasters likewise transfer warm via radiation. Keep in mind that, unequal conduction or convection, heat transfer by radiation does not need any type of matter to assist with the transfer.

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You have the right to detect proof of heat transfer. You can see the air shimmering end a radiator (convection), placed your hand on a heat spoon that's been sitting in a warm bowl the soup (conduction), or notice that the sun shine feels warmth on your skin (radiation). If friend need proof of thermal energy or heat in your life, simply feel your arm. Her body generates warm 24 hrs a day! (Taken from KEEP energy Education activity Guide "Exploring Heat").