Question

During a camping trip, students lit a fire using dry wood. As the fire burned, it gave off heat and light.

Two children are crouched by a campfire with a kettle suspended above it. The fire is contained within a circle of stones, and there are small piles of wood nearby.
Which statement BEST explains the energy transformation that occurred as the wood burned?
Responses

A The fire transformed chemical energy in the wood into thermal and light energy.The fire transformed chemical energy in the wood into thermal and light energy.

B The fire transformed electrical energy into thermal energy.The fire transformed electrical energy into thermal energy.

C The fire transformed thermal energy into chemical energy.The fire transformed thermal energy into chemical energy.

D The fire transformed radiant energy into sound energy

Answer 1

A

When wood burns, the chemical potential energy stored in the wood is released by combustion and converted mainly into thermal (heat) energy and radiant (light) energy (and some sound and chemical products like gases).