Elementary Science

Science Focus LessonSC.5.P.10.4Transformation of Electrical Energy

Polk County Public Schools

SC.5.P.10.4Benchmark: Investigate and explain that

electrical energy can be transformed into heat, light, and sound energy, as well as the energy of motion.

Essential Question:How can electrical energy be transformed

into other forms of energy?

Vocabulary:electrical energy transform

conductor

closed circuit attract repel insulator

TRANSFORMATION OF ELECTRICAL ENERGY

Electricity is a form of energy that is produced when electrons move from one place to another

place.Electrical Energy can be transformed or changed

into heat, light, and sound energy.

HeatLight

Sound

Electrically Charged Objects

+ +

_

_+

_

Like charges repel each other.

Unlike charges attract each other.

Attract means to pull on Repel means to push against

An electrically charged object can attract an uncharged object and/or either attract or repel

another charged object without any contact between the objects.

ELECTRICALLY CHARGED OBJECTS

Attraction Attraction

Repulsion/Repel

Partner A: Tell your shoulder partner what 3 ways electrical energy can be transformed and give an example of each.

Partner B: Tell your shoulder partner

the difference between attract and repel and then tell what happens to

like charges and what happens to unlike charges.

Summarize

Electric current flows through a path called a circuit. A circuit is like a big loop. In order for the current to flow through the loop, the path must have no breaks; in other words, it must be closed. A closed circuit has no breaks in

it. An open circuit has a break.

ELECTRIC CIRCUITS

Closed circuit – Light bulb is on Open circuit – Light bulb is off

Anything that allows heat/thermal energy or electricity to move through it easily is a conductor.

Anything that slows the movement of heat/thermal energy or electricity is an insulator.

CONDUCTORS AND INSULATORS

The cookie sheet is a conductor. Metalsare good conductors of heat/thermalenergy and electricity.

The oven mitt the mom is wearing is an insulator. Thick fabrics, plastics, and rubberare not good conductors of heat/thermalenergy and electricity.

Take a look at the picture:

Heat is the transfer of thermal energy between objects of different temperatures.

FLOW OF HEAT

Heat travels from a warmer object to a cooler object. The heat will continue to flow until the temperature of the two objects has equalized, or reached the same temperature.

For example, suppose you place an ice cube in a glass of water. Because the water is warmer than the ice, heat flows from the water to the ice until the two reach the same temperature. Heat does not flow from the ice to the water.

Energy from the sun can be used to heat objects.

ENERGY FROM THE SUN

Solar energy mostly passes through the atmosphere and this heat is absorbed by all objects, such as humans, trees, flowers, roads, etc. These objects will then warm up. Dark objects, such as asphalt roads, will absorb and warm faster than light colored objects.

When sunlight is not present, heat may be lost.

SummaryWith your shoulder partner, have a discussion

about the following:

Discuss the difference between open and closed circuits.

Discuss conductors and insulators and give examples

Discuss what you have learned about the flow of heat

Guided PracticeWork with your shoulder partner to answer each question

1. Benny’s family bought a new electric stove. The stovetop had several large circles on it. When Benny’s father turned on the stove, the circles glowed with a red color. What can you infer about these circles?

A. The circles gave off both heat and light.B. The circles gave off only light to show where

to place the pans.C. The circles gave off light but not heat.D. The circles gave off light to help the cook

see the stove.

“A” is the correct answer!

The circles gave off both heat and light.

2. It was a hot, sunny day. Marsha’s family was at the beach. Marsha took off her sandals and headed for the water. The sand was so hot, she had to run so her feet would not burn. Which of the following best explains why the sand was so hot?

A. People running in the sand made the sand hot.

B. Heat and light from the Sun made the sand hot.

C. Wind blowing over the sand made the sand hot.

D. The temperature that day made the sand hot.

Guided Practice

“B” is the correct answer!

Heat and light from the Sun made the

sand hot.

3. Alex turned on the light in his room so he could do his homework. What type of energy transformation is taking place in Alex’s room?

A. electrical to light B. light to mechanicalC. mechanical to heatD. heat to electrical

Guided Practice

“A” is the correct answer!

Electrical to Light

SummaryWith your shoulder partner, find some sources of electrical energy in your classroom. Name the sources you find and what form of energy it creates. If time, share with the class.

Check Your UnderstandingRecord your answers. Check them at the end.

1. The electric meter at Karen’s house measures the amount of electricity her family uses each month. Last month, her family installed a solar water heater. They no longer use electricity to heat their water. Which of the following can Karen’s family predict?

A. Their water bill will go up. B. Their electric bill will go up. C. Their electric bill will go down. D. Their water bill will go down.

2. Which picture shows a closed circuit?

A. B.

Check Your Understanding

3. Which of the following items would be the BEST conductor of heat?

A. A plastic spoonB. An oven mittC. A wooden boardD. A metal pan

Check Your Understanding

4. If you added ice cubes to a glass of water, which of the following would happen?

A. The heat from the glass would flow to the ice. B. The heat from the ice would flow to the water. C. The heat from the air outside the glass would

flow to the water. D. The heat from the water would flow to the ice.

Check Your Understanding

Check Your Answers1. A2. A3. D4. D

SummaryWrite a summary paragraph

explaining your understanding of one of the following:

*How electricity transforms into other

forms of energy*The difference between conductors and insulators *The flow of heat*The difference between open and closed circuits