The Instrument converting mechanical energy into electrical energy is called
Dynamo
Understanding Energy Conversion: Mechanical to Electrical
The question asks about an instrument that takes mechanical energy and turns it into electrical energy. This process is a fundamental concept in physics and engineering, powering many of the electrical devices we use daily.
Let's look at the functions of the given options:
- Dynamo: A dynamo is essentially an electric generator. It uses the principle of electromagnetic induction to convert mechanical energy (from rotation, for example) into electrical energy. When a conductor moves through a magnetic field, or a magnetic field changes around a conductor, an electric current is induced in the conductor. Dynamos apply this principle to produce electricity.
- Transformer: A transformer is a device used to transfer electrical energy from one alternating-current circuit to one or more other circuits, either increasing (stepping up) or decreasing (stepping down) the voltage. It works on the principle of mutual induction but converts electrical energy at one voltage/current into electrical energy at a different voltage/current, not mechanical energy into electrical energy.
- Electrometer: An electrometer is a very sensitive instrument used to measure electric charge or electrical potential difference (voltage). It deals with electrical quantities but does not convert one form of energy into another.
- Motor: An electric motor is a machine that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy. This is the opposite process of what is described in the question. Motors are used in many applications, from fans and pumps to electric vehicles.
Comparing the functions, the instrument that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy is the Dynamo.
| Instrument | Energy Conversion |
|---|---|
| Dynamo (Generator) | Mechanical Energy → Electrical Energy |
| Transformer | Electrical Energy (AC, Voltage/Current Change) → Electrical Energy (AC, Different Voltage/Current) |
| Electrometer | Measures Electric Charge/Voltage |
| Motor | Electrical Energy → Mechanical Energy |
Therefore, the instrument that performs the conversion of mechanical energy into electrical energy is the Dynamo.
Important Questions from Conservation of Mechanical Energy
A ball is thrown up at a speed of 2m/s. If g = 10m/s 2, then find the maximum height the ball will reach?
A particle of mass 40 g is thrown vertically upwards with a speed of 10 ms -1 . Find the work done by the force of gravity during the time the particle goes up.
Find the work done by the force of gravity during the time a particle of mass 50 gm goes up on being thrown vertically upwards with a speed of 10 m/s.
A uniform chain of mass m and length l is placed on a smooth horizontal table such that \(\frac{1}{4}\)th of its length is hanging from the edge of the table. The chain slips down. Find the kinetic energy of the chain when half of its length is hanging from the edge of the table.
Which of the following equation is also a special case of the work-energy (WE) theorem? (where a is acceleration, u and v are the initial and final speeds and s the distance traversed.)
