What is energy? Write various conventional and non conventional energy sources.


Q.) What is energy? Write various conventional and non conventional energy sources.

Subject: energy environment and society

Energy:

Energy is the ability to do work. It is a conserved quantity, meaning that it cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred or transformed from one form to another. The SI unit of energy is the joule (J).

Energy is a fundamental concept in physics and is essential for life on Earth. Energy can be classified into two main types:

  • Kinetic energy: The energy of motion.
  • Potential energy: The energy stored in an object due to its position or configuration.

Conventional Energy Sources:

Conventional energy sources are those that have been used for a long time and are widely available. The most common conventional energy sources are:

  • Fossil fuels: These include coal, oil, and natural gas. Fossil fuels are formed from the remains of plants and animals that lived millions of years ago. They are burned to produce heat, which is used to generate electricity or power machines.
  • Nuclear energy: Nuclear energy is produced by splitting the atoms of uranium or plutonium. This process releases a large amount of heat, which is used to generate electricity.
  • Hydropower: Hydropower uses the energy of moving water to generate electricity. Hydroelectric dams are built across rivers to create reservoirs of water. When the water is released from the reservoir, it flows through turbines, which generate electricity.

Non-Conventional Energy Sources:

Non-conventional energy sources are those that are newer and are not as widely available as conventional energy sources. Some of the most common non-conventional energy sources are:

  • Solar energy: Solar energy is the energy of sunlight. Solar panels can be used to convert sunlight into electricity.
  • Wind energy: Wind energy is the energy of the wind. Wind turbines can be used to convert the energy of the wind into electricity.
  • Geothermal energy: Geothermal energy is the heat from the Earth's core. Geothermal power plants can be used to convert this heat into electricity.
  • Biomass energy: Biomass energy is the energy from organic matter. Biomass power plants can be used to burn organic matter, such as wood, crops, and manure, to generate electricity.

Comparison of Conventional and Non-Conventional Energy Sources:

Feature Conventional Energy Sources Non-Conventional Energy Sources
Availability Widely available Not as widely available
Cost Relatively low Relatively high
Environmental impact High Low
Sustainability Limited Renewable

Conclusion:

Energy is essential for life on Earth. Conventional energy sources have been used for a long time and are widely available, but they have a high environmental impact and are not sustainable. Non-conventional energy sources are newer and have a lower environmental impact, but they are not as widely available and are more expensive. As the world moves towards a more sustainable future, it is important to develop and use non-conventional energy sources.