Energy Changes in a Toy Helicopter
What energy changes occur when the blades of a toy helicopter spin?
The blades of a toy helicopter spin when its circuit is connected to a battery. Which sequence below correctly identifies the energy changes taking place in the helicopter?
a. chemical --> electrical --> potential
b. electrical --> kinetic --> potential
c. chemical --> electricial --> mechanical
d. electrical --> potential --> mechanical
Answer:
The blades of a toy helicopter spin when its circuit is connected to a battery, undergoing a series of energy changes. The battery provides electrical energy to the circuit, which is converted into mechanical energy in the form of rotation. The spinning blades then possess rotational kinetic energy.
When a toy helicopter's circuit is connected to a battery, it undergoes a series of energy changes. The battery provides electrical energy to the circuit, which is converted into mechanical energy in the form of rotation. This mechanical energy is then transferred to the helicopter's blades, causing them to spin. The spinning blades then possess rotational kinetic energy.