Energy conversion, the transformation of energy from forms provided by nature to forms that can be used by humans. There are many different types of energy, including kinetic, potential, gravitational and electrical. Energy can be transferred (move from one location to another) and it can change (transform) from one type to another – but the total amount of energy is always conserved, i.e. it stays the same.
Examples of energy conversions
*The Sun: nuclear energy into heat and light energy.
*Our bodies: chemical energy in our food into mechanical energy for us to move.
*An electric fan:electrical energy into kinetic energy.
Types of Energy Conversions
Light energy can be converted to heat energy.
Electrical energy can be converted to mechanical energy, light energy, heat energy, etc.
Chemical energy can be converted to electrical energy.
Thermal energy can be converted to heat energy.
Units of Energy
Unit | Name |
J | Joule |
cal | Calorie |
Wh | Watt hour |
(kg) SKE | (kilogram) Coal equivalent |
(kg) RÖE | (kilogram) Oil equivalent |
oe oder OE | Oil equivalent |
m³ Erdgas | cubic meter natural gas |
BTU | British thermal unit |
kpm | Kilogram force meter (Kilopondmeter) |
erg | Erg |
eV | Electron volt |