Energy conversion is when we change energy from one type to another. This happens a lot in our everyday lives. Let’s take a look at some examples of energy conversion that we see around us:

1. Photosynthesis

• Plants use sunlight to make their food.
• They change solar energy into chemical energy.
• In simple terms, plants take in carbon dioxide and water with the help of light to create sugar and oxygen.

2. Hydroelectric Power

• Water in dams holds energy because of its height.
• When the water flows down, it changes this energy into mechanical energy.
• Then, it’s turned into electrical energy using big machines called turbines.
• In 2020, about 16% of the electricity we used around the world came from hydroelectric power.

3. Internal Combustion Engines

• Cars change the chemical energy in fuel into mechanical energy to make them move.
• About 25% to 30% of the energy in gasoline is used to power the car.
• The rest gets wasted as heat.

4. Electrical Appliances

• Electric heaters change electrical energy into heat energy to warm our rooms.
• A typical electric heater can produce around 1500 watts of heat energy.

5. Wind Turbines

• Wind moves the blades of a turbine, changing kinetic energy from the wind into mechanical energy.
• This mechanical energy is then turned into electrical energy.
• As of 2021, wind energy made up about 7% of the total electricity used in the U.S., helping to power millions of homes.

These examples show us how energy conversion works. Energy can change forms, but it is never lost in the process.