What is an example of a wasteful energy change?

In this context, the option that describes a wasteful energy change is the conversion of chemical energy to heat in an engine. This process highlights a common inefficiency found in many energy systems, particularly in internal combustion engines.

When chemical energy, such as that from fuel, is burned in an engine, not all of the energy is converted into useful work (kinetic energy). A significant portion is lost as heat due to friction, incomplete combustion, or thermal energy dissipation into the environment. This wasted heat does not contribute to the mechanical energy output that drives the vehicle and therefore represents a less efficient use of the original chemical energy. The goal of most energy systems is to convert as much energy as possible into useful work, making this transformation a prime example of energy inefficiency.

Other options involve energy transformations that are typically more efficient and do not lead to significant energy loss. For instance, converting chemical energy to kinetic energy in a controlled environment can result in effective propulsion, and elastic potential energy to kinetic energy is a direct and efficient transformation seen in springs or similar systems. Thus, option B stands out as an example of a wasteful energy change due to the substantial heat losses involved.