Skip to content
MeerkatSkool Afrikaans
Summaries · Grade 4 Natural Sciences › Energy conversion and transfer
Free summary · Grade 4 Natural Sciences

Energy conversion and transfer

How energy changes from one form to another, and how heat moves. Read one part at a time and tap “I know this”. Then test yourself in the quiz.

Know it already? Jump straight to the quiz

Your progress0 of 3

From one form to another

Chemicalenergy inthe batteryElectricalenergyLight (andsome heat)
In a torch the energy changes twice.
DeviceEnergy inEnergy out
Light bulbElectricalLight and heat
RadioElectricalSound
FanElectricalMovement
Wind turbineMovementElectrical
Solar panelLightElectrical
PlantSunlightChemical (food)
Kettle, stove, ironElectricalHeat
Hair dryerElectricalHeat, movement (air) and sound
CarChemical (petrol)Movement, heat and sound
BicycleYour muscles (energy from food)Movement
DrumMovement (you hit it)Sound
From food to movement: energy changes.
From food to movement: energy changes.
Tap when you could tell someone without looking.

Food gives us energy

A running child uses chemical energy from food. Rub your hands fast: movement energy becomes heat. A rolling ball has movement energy.

Rule

Energy is measured in joules.

Tap when you could tell someone without looking.

How heat moves

  • Heat moves through a metal spoon in hot soup: conduction.
  • The Sun’s energy reaches us through space: radiation.
  • Wool traps body heat, so we wear it in winter.
Tap when you could tell someone without looking.

Remember this and test yourself

Remember this: your summary
  • Energy conversion is when energy changes from one form to another.
  • A light bulb: electrical → light and heat. A radio: electrical → sound.
  • A fan: electrical → movement. A heater: electrical → heat.
  • Energy does not disappear; ‘lost’ energy usually becomes heat.
  • Metal conducts heat well; wool is a good insulator that traps body heat.

Write these points in your book. Read them again the night before the test.

Memory trick

Ask with every device: what goes in, what comes out? And remember: the “lost” energy almost always becomes heat.

Flash cards · Tap to turn over

Important words

First say what the word means, then turn the card over.

Test yourself · Part 2

True or false?

Read the question and the answer. Is the answer right? Tap True or False.

    Now the real quiz!

    The quiz has many more questions on this topic. Every question shows straight away whether you are right and explains why.

    Take the quiz: Energy conversion and transfer
    All Grade 4 Natural Sciences summaries
    For parents
    • Read one part together and ask your child to tell it back in their own words.
    • The ticks (“I know this”) are saved on this device only. We never ask for names or emails.

    Follows CAPS for Grade 4 Natural Sciences and Technology. Always check your teacher’s notes and textbook too.

    Free PDF