Ships may have an onboard generator to generate electrical energy for the ship's needs, such as lighting. Note that the engines that push the ship forward usually won't use electrical energy.
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Ships generate electricity for various systems using onboard diesel generators or gas turbines. These generators are powered by fuel, which is converted into mechanical energy to produce electricity. Some ships also utilize solar panels or wind turbines to supplement their energy needs.
In an electric fan, energy is transferred by converting electrical energy into mechanical energy. When the fan is turned on, electricity powers the motor, causing it to rotate the blades which then push air around. This mechanical energy from the motor is what moves the fan blades and creates the airflow.
Wind energy and thermal energy would also be utilized in a Viking ship. Wind energy would power the sails to propel the ship, while thermal energy would be generated for cooking and heating purposes on the vessel.
A steamship uses a steam engine to convert heat energy from burning fuel into mechanical energy, which propels the ship forward. Water is heated to produce steam, which is then used to drive pistons connected to a crankshaft. The crankshaft turns the propeller shaft, which moves the propeller, propelling the ship through the water.
Basically, work refers to an energy transfer.
In a sense, work can be seen as the transfer of energy between a system and its surroundings. When work is done on a system, energy is transferred to it, and when work is done by a system, energy is transferred to its surroundings. This transfer of energy through work is a fundamental concept in physics.