Description should include the use of the following types of energy to produce electricity:
- Thermal ― internal energy of a system in thermodynamic equilibrium by virtue of its temperature used for such things as home heating, transportation, cooking, water heating, industrial production, boilers, nuclear medicine, x-rays
- Mechanical ― energy associated with the motion and position of an object used for such things as transportation, power production, wind turbines, and steam turbines
- Chemical ― batteries, fuel, food, used for such things as transportation, computers, phones
- Radiant ― electromagnetic energy that travels in transverse waves used for heat, light, powers solar panels
- Electrical ― energy made available by the flow of electric charge through a conductor used for such things as home appliances, street lights, athletic field lighting, theme parks, electric cars.
Process/Skill Questions:
- What are some common applications of chemical energy?
- How is the type of energy to be used determined?
- How is electricity a result of thermal, mechanical, or chemical generation?
- What type of energy is used to power batteries? Why is that the best choice?
- What types of energy are used in the transportation industry?