4th Grade Science : Design and test a device to convert energy between forms

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for 4th Grade Science

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Design And Test A Device To Convert Energy Between Forms

Alexis has to identify an invention in her home that converts one energy form into another. She has selected the lightbulb. The energy input into a light bulb is electrical. What type of energy is output from a lightbulb?

Possible Answers:

Sound and light

Light and motion

Heat and motion

Heat and light

Correct answer:

Heat and light

Explanation:

A lightbulb outputs heat and light after it has transformed the electrical energy it receives from the outlet or socket. Bulbs are one example of a household object that converts energy forms. An oven converts electrical energy into heat energy, a toaster concerts electrical into heat energy, and an alarm clock has an output of light and sound energy that is converted from electrical energy.

Example Question #61 : Physical Science

Allison has to design a device that converts energy between two different forms. She decides she wants to convert electrical energy into motion and sound. Which invention should she model her design after?

Possible Answers:

An alarm clock

A dog

A radio

The motor

Correct answer:

The motor

Explanation:

The motor is an excellent invention for Allison to use as a model for her device. The engine is used to power machinery, vehicles, and even toys. The motor converts electrical energy into sound and motion, so the object it is powering can move. Allison can design an engine that uses alternative fuel, that produces more power, or motorized something no one has ever added the ability to.

Example Question #1 : Design And Test A Device To Convert Energy Between Forms

What is energy?

Possible Answers:

A measure of the capability to produce change

Move from one place to another

A measure of the amount of matter inside an object

Having the potential to develop into something great in the future

Correct answer:

A measure of the capability to produce change

Explanation:

Energy is the ability to do work or the ability to move an object. Energy cannot be made or destroyed; it can only be changed into different forms. Energy can be classified in two ways. First is potential energy, which is the amount of energy something has stored inside it. Next is kinetic energy. Kinetic energy is the energy of an object in motion. Anything that is moving has kinetic energy.

Example Question #1 : Convert Energy Forms

Mike designed a new firework for the holiday display. He spent weeks coming up with the perfect design to convert chemical energy into three forms of energy. Which three types of energy does a firework emit?

Possible Answers:

Heat, light, and sound

Light, chemical, and sound

Electric, sound, and heat

Sound, light, and mechanical

Correct answer:

Heat, light, and sound

Explanation:

Fireworks emit three types of energy. The first is sound energy, which is caused by the chemical explosion and can be heard as a loud boom. The fireworks are ignited by lighting the central fuse that burns when the fireworks rise into the sky. Burning these different materials produces light. The colors seen in the show are determined by the amount of energy in heating different chemicals and fuel. The explosion also produces heat or thermal energy.

Example Question #1 : Design And Test A Device To Convert Energy Between Forms

Raena designed a new device that can convert energy forms. Her design can take electrical energy and turn it into thermal or heat energy. Which answer choice(s) are an example of this conversion?

Possible Answers:

A space heater heats a room in your home.

A gas oven bakes a pizza for dinner.

A phone records a voicemail message.

A water source in the park "runs" water.

Correct answer:

A space heater heats a room in your home.

Explanation:

Thermal energy is transferred to other objects causing them to heat up. A space heater is plugged into the wall, so it uses electrical power and converts it into heat energy to warm the room. The other response options have nothing to do with thermal energy and heating something.

Example Question #1 : Design And Test A Device To Convert Energy Between Forms

Meredith has to design a device that converts energy between two different forms. She decides she wants to convert electrical energy into sound and light. Which invention should she model her design after?

Possible Answers:

A television

A firecracker

A wood-burning stove

A battery-powered alarm clock

Correct answer:

A television

Explanation:

The television is an excellent invention for Meredith to use as a model for her device. The television converts electrical energy into sound and light, so it can relay the programming the viewer would like to watch. Meredith can think about how the electricity is transformed and try to create something that lights up and makes noise.

Example Question #1 : Design And Test A Device To Convert Energy Between Forms

Gasoline is put into cars to make them run. The ability of gas to power vehicles is an example of ________ energy. It is transformed into mechanical energy, sound, and light.

Possible Answers:

mechanical

electrical

solar

chemical

Correct answer:

chemical

Explanation:

In the car's engine, there is a transformation of chemical energy from the combustion of the gasoline into heat, which powers the engine to run. This energy is transformed into mechanical energy (or motion) when the car moves, light energy, and sound energy.

Example Question #1 : Convert Energy Forms

Marge wants to develop a device to convert energy forms and wants it to have little to no negative impact on the environment. Which type of energy should she use as her primary power source to accomplish this?

Possible Answers:

Hydropower

All of the answer choices are correct.

Solar

None of the answer choices are correct.

Wind

Correct answer:

All of the answer choices are correct.

Explanation:

Many companies and even home inventors are turning to renewable resources to power their creations. Renewable resources have less of a negative impact on the planet when compared to traditional fossil fuels such as oil and coal. Solar power, wind energy, and hydropower are all examples of clean energy sources that Marge could use for her device.

Example Question #1 : Design And Test A Device To Convert Energy Between Forms

True or False: One form of energy can transform (convert) into another.

Possible Answers:

True

False

Correct answer:

True

Explanation:

The statement in the question is correct. Energy is transformed (converted) all of the time, and often we don't even realize it. Many objects in our home are plugged into electrical outlets and draw on electricity provided by a power plant; they then transform this electrical energy into something useful to meet our needs. Often we use batteries to power objects; this is a conversion of chemical energy. A few examples you may have in your home include a toaster converting electrical energy into thermal and mechanical energy or a battery-powered flashlight converting chemical energy into light energy. You can search around your home and find lots of instances of energy transformation!

Example Question #2 : Design And Test A Device To Convert Energy Between Forms

True or False: When designing a device to convert energy it must use electricity to work.

Possible Answers:

False

True

Correct answer:

False

Explanation:

The statement in the question is incorrect. Energy is transformed (converted) all of the time, and often we don't even realize it. Many objects in our home are plugged into electrical outlets and draw on electricity provided by a power plant; they then transform this electrical energy into something useful to meet our needs. But there are other types of energy transformation as well. Often we use batteries to power objects; this is a conversion of chemical energy. We apply heat to something like fireworks, and a chemical reaction occurs, transforming the powder inside into a flying display of beautiful colors and loud noises. Many homes use solar energy to power their devices and appliances within. Electricity is a popular choice for an energy source, but it is not the only option we have.

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