Chapter 4, Problem 51R

To determine

To explain: Energy transformations that occur while rubbing the hands together.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

According to the law of conservation of energy, energy is not created or destroyed but is transformed from one form to a different form.

The muscles of a human body at rest possess chemical potential energy. While rubbing your hands together, the stored chemical potential energy of the muscles is converted to kinetic energy due to motion of hands. When the surface of the hands rub together, friction is produced. Friction converts the kinetic energy to thermal energy to make the hands warm.

Conclusion:

Energy transformation is as follows: