The water cycle and hydro-electric power production are other examples of energy transformation. Heat energy from the Sun evaporates the water in lakes and oceans. The water vapour collects into clouds and falls as rain. To measure the effects of energy conversion and its efficiency, the transmission and consumption of energy are also very important. The coal must first be burned to heat water and produce the steam that turns a turbine to generate electricity.
All machines lose efficiency because of friction.
Heat and sound. Heat and sound. It slows the water and expends energy heating it. Low-grade heat and noise, therefore, account for the apparent loss of energy in transformations. Most of the heat is not usable, however, but is dispersed.