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This Java simulation lets learners explore how energy is transformed in simple systems. Use a slider to heat or cool blocks of iron or brick to see the energy flow. Next, build your own system to convert mechanical, light, or chemical energy into electrical or thermal energy. The simulation allows students to visualize energy transformation and describe how energy flows in various systems. It specifically addresses the Second Law of Thermodynamics -- some forms of energy are more useful than others. Through examples from everyday life, it also bolsters understanding of conservation of energy.
This item is part of a larger collection of simulations developed by the Physics Education Technology project (PhET). Editor's Note: In the secondary grades, students often struggle to understand the interactions that underlie energy transformation. This simple, yet thought-provoking simulation allows them to "see" the flow of energy through a real-life system and track energy conversions from start to finish. They can choose sunlight, a person pedaling a bicycle, steam, or flowing water to power their systems.
Next Generation Science StandardsEnergy (HS-PS3)
Students who demonstrate understanding can: (9-12)
Disciplinary Core Ideas (K-12)
Definitions of Energy (PS3.A)
Conservation of Energy and Energy Transfer (PS3.B)
Energy in Chemical Processes (PS3.D)
Crosscutting Concepts (K-12)
Systems and System Models (K-12)
Energy and Matter (2-12)
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices (K-12)
Developing and Using Models (K-12)
NGSS Nature of Science Standards (K-12)
Developing and Using Models (K-12)
AAAS Benchmark Alignments (2008 Version)4. The Physical Setting
4D. The Structure of Matter
4E. Energy Transformations
11. Common Themes
11B. Models
NSES Content Standards
Con.B: Physical Science
This resource is part of 2 Physics Front Topical Units.
Topic: Conservation of Energy
Unit Title: Energy Transformation This simple, yet thought-provoking simulation helps students to "see" the flow of energy through a real-life system -- from start to finish. They can choose sunlight, steam, flowing water, or mechanical energy to power their systems. Very effective way to visualize energy transformation and a great way to introduce the Law of Conservation of Energy. Link to Unit:
Topic: Conservation of Energy
Unit Title: Teaching Energy in the Elementary Grades This simple, yet thought-provoking simulation helps students to "see" the flow of energy through a real-life system -- from start to finish. They can choose sunlight, steam, flowing water, or mechanical energy to power their systems. Very effective way to visualize energy transformation and a great way to introduce the Law of Conservation of Energy. Link to Unit:
ComPADRE is beta testing Citation Styles!
Record Link
<a href="https://www.compadre.org/precollege/items/detail.cfm?ID=12729">PhET. PhET Simulation: Energy Forms and Changes. Boulder: PhET, 2013.</a>
AIP Format
(PhET, Boulder, 2013), WWW Document, (https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/energy-forms-and-changes).
AJP/PRST-PER
PhET Simulation: Energy Forms and Changes (PhET, Boulder, 2013), <https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/energy-forms-and-changes>.
APA Format
PhET Simulation: Energy Forms and Changes. (2013). Retrieved December 2, 2024, from PhET: https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/energy-forms-and-changes
Chicago Format
PhET. PhET Simulation: Energy Forms and Changes. Boulder: PhET, 2013. https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/energy-forms-and-changes (accessed 2 December 2024).
MLA Format
PhET Simulation: Energy Forms and Changes. Boulder: PhET, 2013. 2 Dec. 2024 <https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/energy-forms-and-changes>.
BibTeX Export Format
@misc{
Title = {PhET Simulation: Energy Forms and Changes},
Publisher = {PhET},
Volume = {2024},
Number = {2 December 2024},
Year = {2013}
}
Refer Export Format
%T PhET Simulation: Energy Forms and Changes %D 2013 %I PhET %C Boulder %U https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/energy-forms-and-changes %O application/java
EndNote Export Format
%0 Electronic Source %D 2013 %T PhET Simulation: Energy Forms and Changes %I PhET %V 2024 %N 2 December 2024 %9 application/java %U https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/energy-forms-and-changes Disclaimer: ComPADRE offers citation styles as a guide only. We cannot offer interpretations about citations as this is an automated procedure. Please refer to the style manuals in the Citation Source Information area for clarifications.
Citation Source Information
The AIP Style presented is based on information from the AIP Style Manual. The APA Style presented is based on information from APA Style.org: Electronic References. The Chicago Style presented is based on information from Examples of Chicago-Style Documentation. The MLA Style presented is based on information from the MLA FAQ. This resource is stored in 12 shared folders. You must login to access shared folders. |