Various Forms of Energy

Energy is the capacity to do work. It cannot be created nor destroyed, but it can change from one form to another. Examples of forms of energy are mechanical, thermal, renewable, electrical, and chemical. Various forms of energy include kinetic energy, potential energy, and gravitational potential energy. Different types of resources we use every day, such as oil and coal, provide various types of fuels for generators which transform those fuels into other forms of energy like electricity and heat or mechanical power in the case that oil is burned as fuel in a generator. 

Energy is a valuable resource and should be conserved so that we do not deplete the earth’s natural resources. Where these energy resources are not available, another option would be to use renewable energy such as wind, solar, and hydropower.

The most accessible form of energy to use involves moving objects. Everything is made up of the same basic building blocks known as atoms. However, we can change how those atoms interact with each other by changing how they are arranged.

We can also change how objects interact by changing the state of matter. For example, if we heat a solid, its molecules vibrate and move more quickly. This is known as an increase in kinetic energy. If we take gas and cool it to the point that most of its particles are at rest (lying still), then this material is said to be in its “ground state.” Using nuclear reactions, chemical reactions, or just heating water, we can convert energy from one form to another.

Therefore, energy is a resource that we use every day. If we want to conserve our resources, we must become more aware of how they are being used. The future of energy and the environment depends on our choices today. 

Potential Energy

Potential energy is “stored energy” that can be used later. It is usually stored within an object due to its position in a field of force. For example, a small weight attached to a string hanging from the ceiling has potential energy. This weight stores some of the Earth’s gravitational potential energy (gravitational PE) by its position. When we pull on this weight, it moves closer to us and gains speed as it falls, causing a more significant amount of gravitational PE to be stored. 

Various types of potential energy

1. Gravitational potential energy. 

Potential energy arising from the position of an object due to gravity is called gravitational potential energy.

It can be calculated by using a formula: 

U=mgh (Where m is the object’s mass, height above some reference level, and g is the acceleration due to gravity). This type of potential energy can move the object back upwards.

2. Mechanical Potential Energy (MPE)

Potential energy due to an object’s position in a mechanical or elastic medium is called elastic potential energy or mechanical potential energy. Mechanical PE is created when molecules are squeezed together or pushed apart; it increases kinetic and linear PE if the substance can move and either change direction or speed of movement.

3. Electrical Potential Energy (EPE)

Electrical potential energy is the type of potential energy associated with an electric charge. It causes a net transfer of electric charge when placed in an electrical field.

The potential difference measured to cause the flow of one coulomb is one volt.

Many devices and circuits convert other forms of energy into electrical PE, including batteries, photovoltaic cells, and fuel cells. Potential energy from an object with a variable voltage across it is called “electromotive force” or “emf.” Electrical PE can be transformed into other forms of energy, including kinetic, thermal, or mechanical, and vice versa.

4. Chemical Potential Energy (CME)

Chemical potential energy is the energy contained in a given system by its chemical composition. It is generally used to describe the reaction of non-living systems or to take non-reactive substances as models for reactive ones. Chemical PE is stored and released during specific chemical reactions or when atoms come together. A reaction can be spontaneous (i.e., changes free energy that drives the reaction) or nonspontaneous (the change in free energy is less than zero so that activation energy must be added to start the reaction).

Mentioned above were some of the various forms of potential energy.

Renewable Energy

Renewable energy is the alternative to non-renewable energy. The most sustainable renewable energy sources are wind, solar, and hydropower. Renewable energy is becoming more popular because oil and coal prices are rising. Its sources do not contribute to global warming, pollution, or depletion of natural resources.

Renewable energy sources can produce electricity, heat (such as in a stove), or transportation. They are also called sustainable energy sources because they are suitable for the environment (i.e., reduce global warming and pollution). They can also be a reliable source of energy that is not dependent on foreign oil or fossil fuels.

Various forms of renewable energy:

1. Wind

Wind consists of a combination of the kinetic energy in air moving and the potential energy from the height of the air. The wind is used to generate electricity and mechanical power, as well as to improve crop yields.

2. Solar

The Sun provides us the heat, light, and many other daily benefits that we all rely on. We can harness this energy using solar cells installed on a building. These cells convert light into electric current, which can then be used to make electricity or create thermal energies (heat), converted into electricity, or used for other purposes.

3. Hydro

Hydropower is one of the oldest sustainable renewable energy resources. It is generated from moving water that can be converted into kinetic energy. The kinetic energy drives turbines, which then generate electricity. Electricity does not harm the environment because it does not produce harmful emissions.

4. Biomass

Biomass includes solar and thermal (heat) technologies and agricultural and animal byproducts used as fuel sources such as wood, stalks, food waste, animal waste, and plant-based materials such as switchgrass and algae.

Mentioned above are some of the various forms of renewable energy.

Conclusion:

The energy we use every day has a significant effect on the environment. By becoming aware of how we use and waste energy, we can become better stewards of our natural resources. This is essential because if we do not learn to conserve our energy and natural resources, a day will come when they will not be available for future generations.