Explain the energy transformations that occur in a toaster.
When a toaster is plugged in and turned on, electrical energy from the outlet flows into the toaster's heating element, which is usually made of nichrome wire. The electrical energy is converted into heat energy as the heating element begins to warm up.
As a result, the heat energy transfers to the bread slice which causes two transformations. First, the heat causes the water molecules in the bread to vibrate and turn into steam, which is a state of thermal energy. Second, the heat also changes the chemical structure of the bread, breaking down the starches and sugars and creating a delicious brown crust.
Overall, the energy transformations that take place in a toaster can be summarized as electrical energy being transformed into heat energy, which then causes various changes in the food being toasted.