Energy & Fossil Fuels as an Attractive Means of Energy

[ENERGY & FOSSIL FUELS AS AN ATTRACTIVE MEANS OF ENERGY.]

This paper will discuss how energy can be converted from one form to another, why fossil fuels are an attractive source of energy, as well as various energy alternatives to include how they work and their advantages and disadvantages as renewable energy sources.

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I. First, discuss how energy can be converted from one form to another, giving specific examples. First, we should define what energy is. Energy is defined as; A.) Vigorous action or effort. B.) Capacity for action. C.) A fundamental entity of nature. Regarded as the capacity for performing work. D.) Usable power (as heat or electricity) also: the resources for producing such power. An energy level is defined as one of the stable states of constant energy that may be assumed by a physical system (like the electrons in an atom).

Energy exists in many different forms. Some examples of these are: light energy, heat energy, mechanical energy, gravitational energy, electrical energy, sound energy, chemical energy, as well as nuclear or atomic energy, to name just a few. These forms of energy can be transferred & transformed between one another. This is of immense benefit to us. For a source of energy to end up as electricity, it may have to undergo many transformations before it can power the average household light bulb.

Although there are many specific types of energy, the two major forms of energy are kinetic & potential. First, let us define some of the characteristics of kinetic energy. Kinetic energy is the energy in moving objects or it’s mass. Wind energy is an example of kinetic energy. The molecules of gases within the air are constantly moving, creating kinetic energy. Potential energy is defined as any form of energy that has stored potential energy that can be stored for future use. For example, water that is stored in a dam for hydroelectricity generation is a form of potential energy. When valves are opened, the force of gravity causes the water to begin to flow. The gravitational potential energy of the water is converted to kinetic energy, by opening those valves up. The flowing water can turn a wind turbine, which will further convert

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the kinetic energy of the water into usable mechanical energy. An alternator or generator then converts the mechanical energy from the turbine into electrical energy. This type of electricity is then sent out to the electricity grid & then off to our homes, where it is converted into light energy (lights & television), sound energy waves (televisions & radios), heat energy (hot water & toaster ovens), as well as mechanical energy (fans, vacuum cleaners, refrigerators, and air conditioner compressors).

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