Question

Consider the process of heating water on top of an electric range. What are the forms of energy involved during this process? What are the energy transformations that take place?

Short answer

Answer: During the heating process, electrical energy and thermal (heat) energy are involved. Electrical energy from the electric range is initially converted into heat energy within the heating element due to its resistance. Then, the heat energy from the heating element is transferred to the water through conduction and convection. The overall energy transformation process can be represented as: Electrical Energy → Thermal (Heat) Energy - Heating Element → Thermal (Heat) Energy - Water.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the primary source of energy in an electric range

The primary source of energy in an electric range is electrical energy. This energy comes from the power grid and is transmitted to the electric range through an electrical outlet. Electric energy is converted into heat energy by the heating elements in the electric range.

Recognize the forms of energy involved during the heating process

When water is heated on an electric range, two main types of energy are involved: electrical energy and thermal (heat) energy. Electrical energy is transformed into heat energy within the heating elements. Once the heating element is hot, it transfers its heat energy to the water via conduction and convection.

Understand the energy transformations during the heating process

The energy transformations that take place during the heating process are: 1. Electrical energy in the electric range is converted into thermal (heat) energy by the heating element. The conversion occurs due to the resistance of the heating element causing it to heat up when an electric current is passed through it. This can be represented as: Electrical Energy \(\rightarrow\) Thermal (Heat) Energy (in the heating element) 2. The heat energy from the heating element is then transferred to the water through conduction and convection processes. Conduction takes place as heat energy moves from the hot surface of the heating element to the cooler water molecules in direct contact with the heating element. Convection occurs when the heated water molecules rise and are replaced by cooler molecules, which are then heated via conduction. This cycle continues until the water reaches a uniform temperature. This transfer can be represented as: Thermal (Heat) Energy - Heating Element \(\rightarrow\) Thermal (Heat) Energy - Water

Identify the final form of energy and the overall transformation process

As a result of these transformations, the electrical energy from the electric range is finally converted into thermal (heat) energy in the water. The overall process can be represented as: Electrical Energy \(\rightarrow\) Thermal (Heat) Energy - Heating Element \(\rightarrow\) Thermal (Heat) Energy - Water