[Physics Class Notes] on Source of Energy Pdf for Exam

What is energy? 

Energy is the power or capacity to do work such as the capacity to move an object by the application of force. Energy can exist in a variety of numbers, such as thermal, mechanical, chemical, or nuclear, and can be transformed from one form to another. Electrical energy is caused by the movement of electric charges called electrons. Energy is a conserved quantity, and the law of conservation of energy also states that energy can be converted in any form, but it can neither be created nor destroyed. The world has everything either in the form of energy or matter. 

Sources of energy 

Energy is used to power the devices we use for heat and light in our homes, for transportation and for the manufacture of all kinds of products. The primary use of these different sources of energy is to produce electricity. All these different sources of energy add to the store of electrical power that is then sent out to different locations via high powered lines.

There are 9 Main Different Sources of Energy:- 

• Solar energy

• Wind energy

• Geothermal energy

• Hydrogen energy

• Tidal energy

• Wave energy

• Hydroelectric energy

• Biomass energy

• Nuclear power energy

Solar Energy 

It is the energy from the sun that is harnessed using a range of technologies such as solar heating, solar architecture, photovoltaics, and artificial photosynthesis. It is an essential source of renewable energy. The mechanism by which silicon solar panels harness the sun’s energy and generate electricity is known as photovoltaic effect.

Advantages

Disadvantages

Wind Energy 

Wind energy is the energy produced through wind. It is the process by which wind is used to generate electricity. Wind turbines convert the kinetic energy in the wind into mechanical power and that mechanical power can also be utilised for specific tasks.

Advantages

Disadvantages

Geothermal Energy 

It is the heat that comes from the surface of the earth. It is contained in the rocks and fluid beneath the earth’s crust. The oldest form of geothermal energy is dry steam. It takes out of the ground and uses it to directly drive the turbine. 

Advantages

Disadvantages

• High investment cost

• Location restricted

• Sustainability

Hydrogen Energy 

It involves the use of hydrogen or hydrogen compounds to generate energy to be supplied to all practical uses. It is a zero-emission fuel burned with oxygen. It can be used in combustion engines or fuel cells. It is also used as a fuel in rocket propulsion.

Advantages

Disadvantages

Tidal Energy 

It is the form of hydropower that converts the energy obtained from tides into useful forms of power, mainly electricity. Tides are more predictable than the wind and the sun.

Advantages

• It is a continuous, predictable energy

• The longevity of the equipment

Disadvantages

Wave Energy 

It is produced by the up and down motion of floating devices placed on the surface of the ocean. The energy provided is most often used in power plants, water pumps, and desalination plants. 

Advantages

Disadvantages

• It is suitable for certain locations

• It is highly dependent on the wavelength

• They also generate noise and visual pollution

Hydroelectric Energy 

It is the energy derived from the movement of water. It has kinetic energy when it moves, which can be harnessed. Basically, it is the electricity produced by hydropower. 

Advantages

Disadvantages

Biomass Energy 

It is the use of organic material to generate energy. Biomass is just organic matter that is made in nature like dung, grass clippings, etc. It is a renewable source of energy.

Advantages

Disadvantages

Nuclear Power Energy 

It is the use of nuclear reactions that releases nuclear energy to generate heat. This heat is used in steam turbines to produce electricity in a nuclear power plant.

Advantages

• It is less expensive

• No greenhouse gases

Disadvantages

 

Why are we looking at alternative sources of energy?

The main reason why we are searching for an alternate source of energy is because fossil fuels are non-renewable sources of energy which means they are not available in abundant quantities and cannot be replenished. Fossil fuels will continue to get exhausted if their consumption is not controlled.These sources of energy are limited and will disappear after some time. Fossil fuels are being consumed at a large rate. A good source of energy would be one that would do a large amount of work per unit mass or volume. Therefore, it is better to switch to an alternate source of energy.

How can we identify a good source of energy?

This can be identified when useful energy is either recovered or extracted directly or by means of a transformation process or conversion. A good source of energy fulfils the following criteria:

• It is economical.

• The energy source should be able to provide energy over a long period of time- which means it should be easily accessible.

• It produces a lot of heat per unit mass- the output energy is more than that of the input energy.

• It is easy to store and transport.

• It produces less amount of smoke.

• It does a large amount of work per unit

Conclusion

Most of the energy that we use is derived from fossil fuels, so that makes the chances of a bright and developing future without these resources quite bleak. However, there are more and more alternative sources of energy being discovered in today’s time
to help us become prepared for a future wherein fossil fuels aren’t there anymore.