Question

A team of students builds an electrical circuit with a battery and a fan. Describe how energy is changed from one form to another in their electric circuit.

Answer 1

In the electric circuit, the chemical energy stored in the battery is converted into electrical energy when the circuit is closed and the electrons start to flow from the negative terminal of the battery towards the positive terminal. The electrical energy then flows through the wires and passes through the fan motor, where it is converted into mechanical energy as the blades of the fan start to rotate, moving air and creating a breeze. Therefore, the electrical energy is converted into mechanical energy in the fan as it moves and produces airflow. Overall, energy is changed from chemical to electrical to mechanical energy in the electric circuit with a battery and a fan.