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
Reduces electricity bills
Low maintenance cost
Technology development
Disadvantages
Weather dependent
Solar energy storage is expensive
Uses a lot of space
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
Clean & environment-friendly fuel source.
Cost-effective
Disadvantages
Notice and aesthetic pollution
Threat to wildlife
Fluctuations of wind
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
High efficiency
Little to no geothermal system maintenance.
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
It is fuel-efficient.
It is renewable.
It does not produce harmful emissions.
Disadvantages
It is expensive.
It is difficult to store.
It is highly flammable.
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
The impact of EMF emissions
High construction costs
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
It is abundant and widely available
Easily predictable
No damage to the land
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
It is reliable and adjustable
It is emission-free
It is completely renewable
Disadvantages
Higher initial costs
Flood risk
Carbon and methane emissions
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
It is carbon neutral
It is less expensive than fossil fuels
It's a revenue source for manufacturers
Disadvantages
It is not entirely clear
It can lead to deforestation
Energy generation requires a lot of space
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
It harms plant and animal life
It is a water pollutant
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.
FAQs on Source of Energy
1. Suggest some ways through which we can save energy as individuals.
Energy is extremely valuable for life. The more carefully and smartly we utilise it, the better it is going to be for future generations and life on Earth. It is very important to conserve energy and not waste it. Here are certain ways through which one can save energy:
The first and foremost thing to do is to make sure that you switch off any appliance when it’s not in use. This is a common mistake and negligence on our side. For instance, switch off the lights and fans when you’re not using them; don’t keep the television on when you’re not even watching it.
Try to reduce water heating expenses as much as possible.
Install smart power strips wherever you can in your home. This helps to save energy more efficiently as they don’t drain it the way larger appliances tend to do.
Replace your usual bulbs with energy and light efficient ones.
Install energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly appliances at your house.
Try to insulate your house better.
2. Why are fossil fuels important? What will happen if we run out of them?
Fossil fuels are considered to be incredibly imperative as these are natural resources that help to produce energy, so much so that almost 90% of all electricity needs are fulfilled by these. Some of the most common examples of fossil fuels include petroleum, natural gas, and coal. However, there is a rising concern regarding the preservation of fossil fuels as these are non-renewable resources that cannot be restored. And considering the pace at which the world is utilising these fuels, they might just get exhausted in the near future in a century or so.
3. Explain the process of hydroelectric energy. How is flowing water converted into electricity?
Hydroelectricity is a renewable source of energy and is also commonly known as hydropower or hydroelectric power. It is produced with the help of generators that are driven by turbines. The potential energy of fast-flowing water is then converted by these into mechanical energy. Further, the turbines that drive the generators convert the former’s mechanical energy into electricity. These types of plants are usually found in impoundment facilities where there are dams. However, energy supply is not the only benefit generated by hydroelectricity. It also tends to help with certain issues like flood control as well as providing support for irrigation purposes.
4. What is the 10% rule?
According to the 10% rule, in the ecosystem, when energy is passed from one level of the food chain to another, only 10% of it will be passed on. This is because as and when energy transfers to another trophic level and then another, it gets used up in the process. Let’s take the example of plants using the process of photosynthesis to convert solar energy into their roots, leaves, etc. Now, the organisms that would consume these plants, would be using the process of respiration to use the stored energy. And some of that energy is bound to be lost as heat in the overall process.
5. Can energy be recycled? Why or why not?
No, it is not possible to recycle energy. At all the levels of the food chain, energy is required in some way or the other. And this whole process of transfer of energy that takes place in the ecosystem is a rather complicated one because when energy is passed on from organism to organism, it gets used up slowly till it reaches the point of exhaustion. In the end, there are absolutely no remnants of that energy that can be recycled.
According to the law of conservation of energy, it isn’t possible to create or destroy it either. However, it is very much possible to both transform as well as transfer energy. Some of the ways through which energy is transferred are:
It can be transferred by the action of a force.
It can be transferred through an electric current.
It can be transferred through light and/or sound waves.
It can also be transferred by conduction and/or radiation.