What is a Sankey diagram and how do we use it?

A Sankey Diagram can be used to represent the energy usage and efficiency of anything. There are 3 main parts of  Sankey diagram, the start (left side), the arrow heads that peel off facing upwards or downwards, and finally the arrowhead that points to the right. The start of the arrow represents the total energy transferred into your object (input), the arrows pointing upwards or downwards represent energy transferred in the object into unuseful forms, (usually heat or sound), and the arrow that remains pointing to the right represents the energy output of your object that is in useful form, for example in a lamp this would be the amount of energy that is converted to light. Sankey diagrams are drawn to scale, so you can measure the width of the arrowshaft and use the key to calculate the amount of energy each arrow represents.

AW
Answered by Alex W. Physics tutor

11072 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

When the current through an ohmic conductor is 2A, the potential difference across it is 6V. What is the potential difference across the same ohmic conductor when the current is increased to 3A?


Whats the difference between speed and velocity?


If 10 N is required to move an object 2m, what is the work done?


The maximum speed this cyclist can travel on a level road is 14 m/s. How does cycling uphill affect the maximum speed of this cyclist? Explain your answer.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning