Question

just like we did in lab 5.3, determine the flow of energy in this situation.
many windmills generate electricity for a manufacturing plant that builds machines; remember, the plant needs
to allow the workers to see what they are doing and to keep them warm in the winter months.
(action, type of energy; wind blows; windmill turns; windmill turns a turbine; turbine creates electricity; lights turn on in plant; heaters turn on in plant)

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze "Wind Blows"

Wind blowing involves the movement of air, so the energy here is kinetic energy (energy of motion). So for "Wind Blows", the type of energy is Kinetic Energy (from the wind's motion).

Step2: Analyze "Windmill turns"

When the wind (kinetic energy) hits the windmill, it causes the windmill to rotate. The rotation of the windmill is also motion, so this is kinetic energy (the windmill's mechanical motion). So "Windmill turns" has Kinetic Energy (mechanical).

Step3: Analyze "Windmill turns a turbine"

The windmill's motion (kinetic) is used to turn the turbine, which is also a mechanical motion. So this is Kinetic Energy (mechanical, as the turbine is rotating).

Step4: Analyze "Turbine creates Electricity"

The turbine's mechanical energy is converted into electrical energy through electromagnetic induction (in a generator). So this is Electrical Energy.

Step5: Analyze "Lights turn on in plant"

Electrical energy is used by the lights, and the lights produce light energy (and some heat, but primarily light for seeing). So this is Light Energy (with electrical energy being converted to light).

Step6: Analyze "Heaters turn on in plant"

Electrical energy is used by the heaters, and they convert it into thermal (heat) energy to warm the workers. So this is Thermal (Heat) Energy.

Answer:

• Wind Blows: Kinetic Energy
• Windmill turns: Kinetic Energy (Mechanical)
• Windmill turns a turbine: Kinetic Energy (Mechanical)
• Turbine creates Electricity: Electrical Energy
• Lights turn on in plant: Light Energy (Electrical → Light)
• Heaters turn on in plant: Thermal (Heat) Energy