Title: Describe the conversion of various energy sources to electricity.
Course: Energy and Power (20101-18) > Section: Exploring Power Generation

Description should include the following concepts:

- Transformation of energy to electricity is done from forms provided by nature to forms that can be used by humans (e.g., wind turbines, solar panels, hydroelectric plant).
  - Thermal energy (e.g., steam) is converted to mechanical energy, which is converted to electrical energy.
  - Mechanical energy (e.g., water wheel, wind turbine) is converted to electrical energy.
  - Chemical energy is converted directly to electrical energy.
- Energy efficiency is measured by the amount of energy lost during the conversion process.

Process/Skill Questions:

- What are different ways of spinning a turbine?
- Why is water so important to energy production?
- How do thermal, mechanical, and chemical compare to each other in terms of overall efficiency?
- What is the difference between a windmill and a wind turbine?
- How is electricity converted from DC to AC?
- How is efficiency calculated?
- What are some examples of losses in the energy conversion process? Why is energy always lost in the process?
- What factors could improve efficiency?

Teacher Resource:

National Energy Education Development (NEED) Curriculum