When a battery lights a bulb, the primary energy transformation is from chemical energy to electrical energy within the battery, then to light and heat energy in the bulb. The battery’s chemical reactions generate electrical energy, which flows through the circuit to the bulb. In the bulb, this electrical energy is converted into both light and heat.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
1. Chemical Energy to Electrical Energy:
The battery’s internal chemical reactions release electrons, creating an electrical potential and allowing electricity to flow.
2. Electrical Energy to Light and Heat:
As the electricity flows through the bulb’s filament (a thin wire), it encounters resistance, causing the filament to heat up. The heat causes the filament to glow, producing light. Some electrical energy is also converted to heat, which warms the surrounding air and the bulb itself.

When a battery lights a bulb, the primary energy transformation is from chemical energy to electrical energy within the battery, then to light and heat energy in the bulb. The battery’s chemical reactions generate electrical energy, which flows through the circuit to the bulb. In the bulb, this electrical energy is converted into both light and heat.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
1. Chemical Energy to Electrical Energy:
The battery’s internal chemical reactions release electrons, creating an electrical potential and allowing electricity to flow.
2. Electrical Energy to Light and Heat:
As the electricity flows through the bulb’s filament (a thin wire), it encounters resistance, causing the filament to heat up. The heat causes the filament to glow, producing light. Some electrical energy is also converted to heat, which warms the surrounding air and the bulb itself.