Energy Study Guide
1. What allows a light to turn on and off? (NOT the switch) 
Electricity
2. Describe how energy is transferred when you fry some bacon in a frying pan on
the stove (electric). (BE SPECIFIC)
When the stove is turned on, it completes an electric circuit. Because the pan
is touching the stove the pan is heated. The heat energy travels from the
burner through the pan and to the bacon – which is then cooked.
3. Why does a pencil appear to be broken when it is in a cup of water?
When the pencil enters a new medium it (the light) refracts or bends –
making the pencil look broken.
4. How is heat energy measured?
With a thermometer (in Celsius or Fahrenheit)
5. What kinds of objects make good conductors?
Metals make the best conductors
6. What kinds of objects make good insulators?
Rubber – plastic – etc.
7. What is the difference between radiation, conduction, and convection?
Radiation is when energy travels through space from one location to another.
Convection is when heat is transferred by the movement of a liquid or gas.
Conduction is when heat is transferred by direct contact.
8. Draw a diagram showing a complete circuit.
9. What happens to sound waves that are absorbed?
They are turned into heat energy and the sound that we do hear is quieter.
10. How does the sun heat the earth?
Radiation
11. How can mirrors help us see things that are out of our sight?
When they are placed at certain angles we can see what is out of sight
because the imagines reflect off of the mirrors.
12. Draw a simple electromagnet and describe what it does.
13. What is the difference between potential and kinetic energy?
Kinetic energy is the energy of motion. Potential energy is stored energy.
14. List 2 examples each of something that is translucent, transparent, and opaque.
(Answers will vary.)
Translucent
a. tissue paper
b. wax paper
Transparent
a. overhead transparency b. clear glass jar
Opaque
a. your hand
b. your desk
15. How can you tell that a pan of soup on the stove is getting hotter?
A.) You feel the heat coming off of the soup. (Steam)
B.) You see the particles moving quicker and quicker. (Boiling)
16. What is temperature?
Temperature is a measurement of how fast particles are moving.
17. If you want to keep your hot chocolate warm in the winter, what would be the
best thing to use and why?
Styrofoam would be good to use because it traps the heat in and keeps it
warmer longer.
18. When we made our telephones out of paper cups and string, how were we able to
hear the person on the other end?
The sound makes the string vibrate and it travels to the other end.
19. Why are electrical wires made of metals?
Metals are good conductors which allow electricity to travel.
20. Why are rubber and plastic used to cover electrical wires?
They are good insulators which prevents electricity from moving/flowing.
21. Why is it dangerous to use electrical appliances near water?
Water is a good conductor – you could get shocked.
22. What is the difference between reflection and refraction?
When light passes from one medium to another the light rays bend. This is
refraction. When light bounces off of an object and to your eyes, it is called
reflection.
23. How is sound produced?
Sound is produced by vibrations.
24. What is another name for thermal energy?
Heat energy