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Question:

What energy conversions exist when popping popcorn?

I need a flowchart of the endergy conversions while popping popcorn. Example: Chemical energy to physical energy to nuclear energy, etc.

Answer:

Starting from the pop and moving towards the energy source The kinetic energy of the popped kernel converting to heat when the kernel comes to rest. The kinetic energy of the kernel from the explosion due to steam and the steam escapes with kinetic and heat energy that transfers to the ambient air as the steam condenses and then the droplets fall and convert kinetic energy to heat. Potential energy in the steam as it builds pressure inside the kernel The transfer of heat from the burner into the popping vessel to raise the temperature of the moisture inside the kernel to make steam Where did the energy come from to heat the burner? I will assume it is electrical energy created from a diesel generator peaker plant nearby There is resistance in the burner heating element that converts the electric current to heat. There is also resistance in the wires and transmission lines and transformers that carry the electricity from the power plant to the burner, which is all lost to heat. The electricity is created from a generator where there is an wire-wound aperture spinning in the presence of a magnetic field. The kinetic energy of the aperture gets converted to the electrical energy and sent out on the transmission lines. The kinetic energy of the aperture is created inside a diesel engine by connecting it to the crank shaft - some friction losses due to bearing surfaces. The kinetic energy of the crank shaft is created from an explosion inside a piston. The explosion creates an expansion of gases that push the piston, which spins the crank shaft. Some of this energy is lost to heat dissipatin and friction. The explosion was from the conversion of the chemical energy in the diesel fuel to heat. The pressure in the piston caused the fuel and oxygen mixture to explode. How's that? j

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