What type of energy transformation occurs when a battery powers a flashlight?

When a battery powers a flashlight, the transformation that takes place is from chemical energy to electrical energy. Inside a battery, chemical reactions occur that convert stored chemical energy into electrical energy, which is then used to power the flashlight. This electrical energy flows through the circuit in the flashlight and ultimately enables the light bulb to emit light.

The other types of energy transformations listed do not accurately describe the process occurring in this scenario. For instance, while the flashlight does generate some thermal energy during operation, the primary transformation involves the initial conversion of chemical energy in the battery to electrical energy used for lighting. Mechanical energy is not relevant to the flashlight's operation powered by a battery since the light is produced through the flow of electricity, and there is no transformation from mechanical energy to chemical energy occurring in this context.