Unit 11 -- Energy Transformations and Heat

Energy can neither be created nor destroyed, but it can be transferred and transformed from one form to another. In this unit we will take a close look at those energy transformations and transfers. To begin we will identify the various kinds of energy transformations that can occur in the real world. Next we will focus specifically on one form of energy -- thermal energy and how it relates to temperature and heat. In the process we will be given a brief explanation of how thermal energy and temperature relate to molecular motion. Then we will examine how thermal energy can be transferred as heat from one place to another through processes we call conduction, convection, and radiation. finally, we will learn about heat capacity and how to calculate the "heat capacity" of a substance using its mass, temperature and a property called "specific heat."

Instruction will primarily be on this blog. The Blog lessons will be supplemented with some direct instruction and reinforced by worksheets, class discussion, and, where ever appropriate, some practice problems.

SPS7: Students will relate transformations and flow of energy within a system.
a. Identify energy transformations within a system
b. Investigate molecular motion as it relates to thermal energy changes in terms of conduction, convection, and radiation.
c. determine the heat capacity of a substance using mass, specific heat, and temperature.
d. explain the flow of energy in phase changes through the use of a phase diagram.

Assignment 1: Energy and Energy Transformation - mini lecture. Click here to view the power point version of the lecture. Afterwords, complete the practice problems on the Energy Transformation worksheet. (Click here to see worksheet)

Click here to recap the Law of Conservation of Energy and Energy Transformations.

Assignment 2: Energy Transformation Project. Click here to for directions.

Assignment 3: Thermal Energy, Temperature, and Heat - mini lecture. Take notes and complete appropriate sections of the Thermal Energy worksheet as you go. (Click here to see worksheet) Click here to view the power point version of the lecture.

Click here to review the definition of TEMPERATURE.
Click here to review the definition of HEAT.

Assignment 4: Heat Transfer -- mini lecture. Take notes and answer appropriate problems in the Thermal Energy worksheet.

Click here for a video version of the lecture on Heat Transfer.

Then watch and take notes on the following video entitled "Heat Transfer."



Assignment 5: Conductors vs. Insulators -- mini lecture. Take notes and answer appropriate problems on the Thermal Energy worksheet.

Click here for a power point version of the lecture.
Click here to see a demonstration of conductors vs. insulators.

Assignment 6: Specific Heat Capacity-- mini-lecture. Take notes. Participate in class discussion. Complete applicable problems on the Thermal Energy worksheet.

Review what you learned about specific heat capacity by watching the following video entitled "Specific Heat Capacity."



Test: Energy transformations, heat and temperature. (covers what we learned about heat, temperature, energy transformations, heat transfer, specific heat, and phase diagrams. Some calculation will be required. Formulas will be provided.)