Energy Conservation & Transfer Model

Calculate the change in energy of one component in a system when the change in other components and energy flows are known (HS-PS3-1).

System Parameters

Define the energy changes (ΔE) for components in a 3-part system. The total change in system energy must equal the energy transferred in/out.

100 J
-50 J
0 J

Positive = Energy added to system. Negative = Energy lost to surroundings.

Target Calculation

Find the change in Thermal Energy (ΔEt) to balance the system:

ΔEt = ?

Mathematical Model

Total ΔEsystem = Ein/out

ΔEk + ΔEg + ΔEt = Eflow

1. 100 + (-50) + ΔEt = 0

2. 50 + ΔEt = 0

3. ΔEt = -50 J

Energy Changes Bar Chart (ΔE)