1. Chemical Energy to Thermal Energy:
* This is the primary transformation. The gasoline (or diesel) in the fuel tank contains *chemical potential energy*. When it's burned in the engine's cylinders, this chemical energy is converted into *heat energy* (thermal energy) through a rapid combustion reaction.
2. Thermal Energy to Mechanical Energy:
* The heat energy from the combustion expands the gases in the cylinder, pushing the piston. This is the heart of the internal combustion engine (ICE). The *thermal energy* is converted into *mechanical energy* – the rotational motion of the crankshaft.
3. Mechanical Energy to Kinetic Energy:
* The rotating crankshaft's *mechanical energy* is transferred through a series of gears (transmission) to the wheels. This causes the wheels to rotate, giving the car its *kinetic energy* (energy of motion).
4. Kinetic Energy to Other Forms:
* Some of the car's *kinetic energy* is lost to *heat energy* through friction in various parts (tires, brakes, engine components, air resistance). This heat is dissipated into the environment.
* A small amount of *kinetic energy* is also converted into *sound energy* (the noise of the engine and tires).
5. Electrical Energy (Various Transformations):
* The alternator converts some of the engine's *mechanical energy* into *electrical energy* to charge the battery and power accessories (lights, radio, etc.).
* The battery stores *electrical energy* and converts it back into *electrical energy* to power components when the engine is off or not generating enough electricity.
* Electric vehicles (EVs) skip the first two steps, converting *electrical energy* (from the battery) directly into *mechanical energy* to turn the wheels. They still have energy losses to heat and sound.
In summary, the dominant energy transformation sequence in a gasoline/diesel car is: Chemical Energy → Thermal Energy → Mechanical Energy → Kinetic Energy. Electric vehicles replace the first two steps with a more direct: Electrical Energy → Mechanical Energy → Kinetic Energy. In both cases, significant energy is lost as heat along the way.
