List 3 ways you can use an electric current. Describe the energy change that takes place. Make sure a second grader can understand!
1. Lighting a bulb: When an electric current flows through a light bulb, it causes a thin wire inside the bulb, called a filament, to become very hot and glow brightly. This conversion of electric energy into light energy helps us see things when it's dark.
2. Operating a fan: When an electric current passes through the motor of a fan, it causes the motor to rotate, which in turn moves the fan blades and creates a breeze. Here, the electrical energy is converted into mechanical energy, which helps us feel cool on a warm day.
3. Charging a smartphone: When we plug our phone into a charging cable and connect it to an electrical outlet, the electric current starts flowing into the battery inside the phone. This electrical energy is converted into chemical energy, which is stored in the battery and later used to power the phone when it's not connected to an electrical outlet.