Event

Number

Type of Energy

Explanation

Nuclear, Light, and

Thermal Energy

Nuclear reactions (nuclear energy) take

place inside of the sun transforming into
light and thermal energy.

Light and Thermal

Energy

When the sunlight reaches earth, it is hot

(thermal energy) and bright (light
energy).

Light, Thermal, and

Chemical Potential
Energy

As the plant absorbs the light (light and

thermal energy), the energy changes to
chemical potential energy by
photosynthesis.

Chemical Potential
Energy

While time goes by the plant dies and

changes into a fossil fuel (chemical
potential energy).

Kinetic (motion) Energy

Fossil Fuels are dug up and moved

(kinetic energy).

Chemical Potential,
Sound, Light, Electric
(current), and Thermal
Energy

The power plant burns the fossil fuels

(making sound, thermal, and light energy)
and changes (chemical potential energy)
it into electricity (electric (current)
energy).

Electric (current) and

Thermal Energy

A continual stream of electricity goes

through the power lines (electric (current)
energy), making them hot (thermal
energy).

Electric (current),
Sound, Thermal, and
Light Energy.

The computer works while it is plugged

into the wall (electric (current) energy).
This energy makes the computer function
while also creating sound, thermal, and
light energy.

Energy Types
Potential Energies

Chemical Potential Energy- energy stored in bonds of atoms and

molecules
o
Energy stored in food before you digest it.

Elastic Potential Energy- energy stored by stretching or compressing

o
Energy stored in a stretched rubber band.

Gravitation Potential Energy- energy stored due to an object's weight

and height

Others include electric (static) and nuclear energy.

Kinetic Energies

Electric Energy (current)- movement of a charge and energy from one

place to another
o
Electricity through wires.

Light Energy- energy transferred by rapid movement of

electromagnetic fields
o
Energy transferred by sunlight or X rays.

Motion (kinetic)- movement of an object from one place to another

Sound Energy- energy transferred by the vibration of an object

o
Music, voices, etc.

Thermal Energy- energy transferred from hot to cold objects

o
Hot plate heating hot water.
One way to make the overall path more efficient is to change the fuel used in
this system. With fossil fuels, there is an eventual limit and a long wait for
more (millions of years). If the fuel was changed to something renewable
(wind, water, or light), then it would be reliable because there would be no
worry that it would run out. Renewable fuels would also cut out some of the
steps.
An example would be:
#1- Inside the Sun

#2-Sunlight transfers to the Earth

#3- Solar panels transform light and heat into electricity

#4- Electricity is kept in "power grid" until it is needed

#5- Computer uses energy

Here is a website that also explains my energy path: http://www.solarenergy-for-homes.com/how-does-solar-power-work.html

Above
and
Beyond

Almost
Above
and
Beyond

Correct
and
Complete

Correct but
still missing
something

Incomplete

Needs
attention

Level

3+

2+

Points

20/20

18/20

17/20

16/20

14/20

12/20

Percentage

100%

90%

85%

80%

70%

60%

On Target
Great job! You
should be really
proud of
yourself! I like
that you were
not only very
thorough with
your level 3
criteria, but also
your level 4
criteria as well.
You answer
makes logical
sense and you
included a
different energy
transfer as well.
I think you did a
very thorough
job. Nice work!

Off Target

Suggested Next Steps

Incorr

11/2

55%