Question

Question: Prepare a table identifying the several energy transitions that take place during a typical operation of an automobile.

Short answer

Types of operation in an automobile	Energy transition during the operation
Ignition (starting motor)	Chemical energy (fuel) into thermal energy.
Acceleration	Thermal energy into mechanical energy (kinetic).
Operating headlights, horns, and indicators	Chemical energy (battery) into electrical energy.
Applying brakes	Kinetic energy into thermal energy.

Step-by-step solution

Energy

Energy is defined as the ability to do work. It is present in different forms. The law of conservation of energy states that the total energy of a system remains conserved.

But, we can convert one form of energy into another to do work. This energy transition helps us in our day-to-day work.

Chemical energy to thermal energy

When we start an automobile, the fuel in the tank of the automobile burns and provides heat energy, which pushes the pistons of the automobile, which in turn starts the automobile. This operation is termed an ignition.

Thermal energy to mechanical energy

When automobiles are accelerated, the amount of fuel that burns inside the piston increases, thus providing more heat energy. This puts pressure on the piston, and it acquires mechanical energy.

Chemical energy to electrical energy

The headlights, horns, and indicators of an automobile run through the electrical energy supplied by the battery of the automobile. The battery converts chemical energy into electrical energy.

Kinetic energy to thermal energy

When we apply brakes, the automobile stops, converting the kinetic energy into thermal energy in the form of friction.