3. Chemical energy transforms into gravitational potential energy.
Explanation:
First of all, let's check the definition for each type of energy:
- Chemical energy is the energy stored in the chemical bonds inside compounds and substances
- Thermal energy is the energy due to the random motion of atoms/molecules (heat)
- Electrical energy is the energy related to the motion of electrical charges
- Gravitational potential energy is the energy of an object which is placed at some height above the ground
- Kinetic energy is the energy of an object in motion
Given this definition, we can check each energy transformation to see which one are really involved in the engine used to power the car:
1. Chemical energy transforms into thermal energy. --> YES. This one is present: in fact, the chemical energy contained in the fuel is converted inside the engine into heat (thermal energy)
2. Thermal energy transforms into electrical energy. --> YES. The heat (thermal energy) used in the engine is converted into electrical energy used to turn on the car.
3. Chemical energy transforms into gravitational potential energy. --> NO. There is no gravitational potential energy involved in this example, since the car runs on the ground.
4. Thermal energy transforms into kinetic energy. --> YES. The heat (thermal energy) used in the engine is converted into energy of motion of the car.
Therefore, Tracy should remove option 3) from her list.
