As energy is transferred or conserved, some of that energy becomes unavailable to do work. What happens to this unavailable energy?

Question

options:

A). The unavailable energy is given off as heat

B). The unavailable energy is destroyed

C). The unavailable energy is conducted

D). The unavailable energy is given off as microwaves

Answer 1

The correct answer is:

A). The unavailable energy is given off as heat

In thermodynamic processes, energy that is not available to do work typically dissipates as heat due to inefficiencies and entropy. This is in line with the second law of thermodynamics, which states that energy transformations are not 100% efficient and some energy will inevitably become less organized and unavailable for doing work, often converting to heat.

Answer 2

The picture illustrates the solar panels that power all of the appliances in Joshua's house. What energy transformations occur that enable Joshua to bake cookies for his family in the oven?

options:

A). heat energy → light energy → heat energy

B). light energy → electrical energy → chemical energy

C). light energy → electrical energy → heat energy

D). heat energy → chemical energy → light energy

Answer 3

The correct answer is:

C). light energy → electrical energy → heat energy

Here’s the breakdown of the energy transformations:

1. Light energy from the sun is captured by the solar panels.
2. This light energy is converted into electrical energy by the solar panels.
3. The electrical energy is then used to power the oven, which transforms that electrical energy into heat energy to bake the cookies.

Thus, the overall transformation is from light energy to electrical energy to heat energy.