Energy conversions

• Energy conversions in the steam engine model

  1. Chemical energy (stored in alcohol)

  2. Thermal energy and light energy (of the flame)

  3. Thermal energy (of the steam)

  4. Kinetic energy (of the steam turbine)

  5. Electrical energy (generated by the generator)
• The light bulb lights up


  This shows that electrical energy is supplied to the light bulb
• Steam engine


  A machine that uses the force produced by steam pressure to perform mechanical work
• Electricity generation in a steam engine

  1. The force produced by steam turns the steam turbine

  2. Turbine turns the generator and electricity is generated
• This mode of electricity generation is applied in most power stations that use fossil fuels (e.g. coal and natural gas) as the fuel
• Energy conversions of hydroelectric power model

  1. Kinetic energy (of water)
  2. Kinetic energy (of the turbine)
  3. Electrical energy (generated by the generator)