everyday energy
You drop an orange from a tree. Which two energy types are involved as it falls and hits the ground?
Potential → Kinetic Energy. It starts with potential energy (stored due to height), then transforms into kinetic energy as it falls.
wo friends race their bicycles. One pedals faster but on grass; the other slower but on pavement. Who’s likely to win and why?
The one on pavement. Pavement has less friction, allowing smoother and faster motion.
You switch on a flashlight. Describe the full energy path—from battery to light beam.
Chemical → Electrical → Light + Heat
You want to test if heavier toy cars move faster down a ramp. What variables should you keep the same?
Ramp height, surface, distance, and release point. Only the mass should change.
When a candle burns, why do we say energy is transformed and not lost?
Chemical → Light + Heat. Energy changes form, but total energy remains constant.
When you turn on your blender to make juice, list the energy transformations taking place.
Electrical → Mechanical → Sound + Heat. The motor converts electrical energy into movement (mechanical) and releases sound and heat.
You roll two balls of different masses down the same ramp. One goes farther. Explain what caused that.
The heavier ball goes farther. It has more momentum and is less affected by air resistance and surface friction.
When a soccer player kicks a ball, trace the energy transformation from the player to the moving ball.
Chemical energy (in muscles) → Mechanical (leg movement) → Kinetic (moving ball).
If two runners cover the same distance but at different speeds, what could you measure to prove who is faster?
Time. The runner who takes less time is faster.
A cyclist going downhill stops pedaling but keeps moving. What type of energy allows that?
Gravitational potential energy → Kinetic energy.
A parked car and a moving car are in the same sunlight. Which car absorbs more heat energy? Why?
Moving car. The engine is working, transforming chemical energy into mechanical and heat energy, so it becomes hotter.
A car’s speedometer shows the same number, but it’s going uphill. Is its motion the same as when it’s going downhill? Why or why not?
No. Uphill, gravity resists motion (needs more energy); downhill, gravity adds to motion (easier movement)
Explain how a roller coaster shows both potential and kinetic energy in one ride.
At the top: Maximum potential energy; going down: Converts into kinetic energy (speed).
You place a thermometer near a working computer and near a turned-off one. Predict what you will observe and why.
The working computer is warmer. Electrical energy transforms into heat energy as it operates.
A phone battery dies faster when you play videos than when you text. Explain using energy transformation.
More electrical energy is used (sound, light, motion on screen), so energy drains faster.
You feel warm after running. Where does that heat come from?
From your muscles. Chemical energy in your body changes to mechanical energy (movement) and heat (body temperature rise
During a race, a runner speeds up, slows down, and then speeds up again. Is their speed constant? How can we describe it scientifically?
No, it’s changing speed—called variable speed or changing rate of motion
Why does a bouncing basketball eventually stop, even though it has energy?
Energy is lost to friction and sound. Each bounce transforms some kinetic energy into heat and sound until motion stops.
You’re given two ramps—one long and one short. Which will make a toy car reach the bottom faster? Justify your prediction.
Shorter, steeper ramp. More gravitational pull per distance → higher speed.
Why do race cars have smooth, low shapes? Relate your answer to air resistance and energy use.
To reduce air resistance (drag) so less energy is wasted pushing against air—faster speed.
A windmill and a solar panel both produce energy. Which would be better for a cloudy, windy day—and why?
Windmill. Because on cloudy days sunlight is weak, but moving air can still turn blades and produce energy.
A skateboarder goes faster each time they ride down the same hill. Suggest two real-world factors that might cause this change in speed.
Less friction (smoother surface) or stronger push start / better balance / less air resistance.
In a hydroelectric dam, water at the top has potential energy. Explain every transformation until it lights a house.
Potential (stored in water) → Kinetic (moving water) → Mechanical (turbine) → Electrical (generator) → Light (lamp)
Design challenge: Move a marble the fastest distance using only a ruler, cardboard, and tape. What principles would you apply?
Gravity, friction, and slope. Create a smooth, steep path to reduce friction and increase potential → kinetic energy.
Final challenge: You’re designing a toy car that moves with stored energy. Would you use a rubber band, magnet, or balloon—and why?
Rubber band or balloon. They store elastic potential energy that changes to kinetic when released.