Leaving your phone charger plugged in even when your phone isn't charging wastes what type of energy?a) Kineticb) Lightc) Electrical (standby power)d) Sound

Breakdown of the Problem

To determine the answer, we need to identify what happens when a phone charger remains plugged in without charging a phone. The key is to understand the type of energy being utilized even when it is not actively powering a device.

Relevant Concepts

When a device is plugged in but not being used to charge anything, it can still draw power from the electrical outlet. This is often referred to as "standby power" or "phantom load."

Analysis and Detail

1. Standby Power: This is the energy consumed by an appliance when it is switched off but still plugged in. Chargers, when left plugged into the wall, can continue to draw a small amount of electrical energy.
2. Types of Energy Wasted:
   • Kinetic Energy: Related to movement, not applicable here.
   • Light Energy: Generated by light bulbs or similar, not relevant to chargers.
   • Electrical (Standby Power): Relevant, as the charger draws electrical current even without charging.
   • Sound Energy: Noise-producing energy, typically not associated with chargers.

Verify and Summarize

Based on the analysis, the energy wasted when the charger is left plugged in but not charging is indeed the electrical energy in the form of standby power.

Final Answer

c) Electrical (standby power)