In [[physics]] and [[engineering]],'''energy conversiontransformation''' moreoften appropriatlytermed calledas energy transformationconversion, is any process of transforming one form of [[energy]] to another. Energy of fossil fuels, solar radiation, or nuclear fuels can be converted into other energy forms such as electrical, propulsive, or heating to become more useful to us. Often, [[machine]]s are used to transform energy. The efficiency of a machine characterizes how well (how efficiently) it can perform such a conversion.
[[Image:TechEfficiency.PNG|thumb|250px|Innovations have improved the efficiency of energy conversion throughout history]]
Energy may be convertedtransformed so that it may be used by other machines, or else to provide some service to society (such as heat, light, or motion). For example, an [[internal combustion engine]] converts the potential chemical energy in gasoline and oxygen into the propulsive energy that moves a vehicle. A [[solar cell]] converts solar radiation into electrical energy that can then be used to light a bulb or power a computer. The generic name for a device which converts energy from one form to another is [[transducer]]
