Unit B: Energy Flow in Technological Systems
Overview: The first and second laws (conservation and conversion) of thermodynamics have been useful in the development of modern and efficient energy conversion devices. Students investigating mechanical energy conversions and transfers in systems will recognize that while energy is conserved, useful energy diminishes with each conversion. Students learn that energy can be observed only when it is being transferred, and that mechanical energy can be quantified. Energy conservation and conversion concepts are applied by students to explain energy conservations in natural and technological systems, and to investigate the design and function of energy conversion technologies.
This Unit Builds On:
Course Focus: We will spend ~25% of the course on this unit.
Students Will:
Key Concepts:
This Unit Builds On:
- Grade 7 Science, Unit C: Heat and Temperature
- Grade 7 Science, Unit D: Structures and Forces
- Grade 8 Science, Unit D: Mechanical Systems
- Grade 9 Science, Unit D: Electrical Principles and Technologies
Course Focus: We will spend ~25% of the course on this unit.
Students Will:
- Analyze and illustrate how technologies based on thermodynamic principles were developed before the laws of thermodynamics were formulated.
- Explain and apply concepts used in theoretical and practical measures of energy in mechanical systems.
- Apply the principles of energy conservation and thermodynamics to investigate, describe and predict efficiency of energy transformation in technological systems.
Key Concepts:
- forms and interconversions of energy
- technological innovations of engines that led to the development of the concept of energy
- one-dimensional motion
- mechanical energy conversions and work
- design and function of technological systems and devices involving potential and kinetic energy and thermal energy conversions
- efficient use of energy, and the environmental impact of inefficient use of energy