Energy Resources
Background:
Energy consists of many types of categories:
- Sound Energy
- Heat Energy
- Light Energy
- Electrical Energy
- Kinetic Energy
- Chemical Energy
- Nuclear Energy
- Gravitational Potential Energy
- Elastical Potential Energy
The conservation of energy law states:
What are energy resources?
Energy resources occur in many different states, renewable and non-renewable. There are, fossil fuels, which consists of oil, gas and coal. There are also resources that generate electrical energy, which is then transferred into the energy needed. Examples of these are, hydroelectric power; wind power; geothermal energy and more, later discussed in this project.
I mentioned these words previously: Renewable and Non-renewable. What do they mean? Well, it is very simple.
Renewable means when energy resources are being replaced constantly, like solar power, we never run out of the sun.
Non-renewable means when energy resources cannot be replaced easily and quickly, like fossil fuels, they take millions of years to be produced.
I am sure any one would think if we have renewable sources of energy then why use fossil fuels, well I think you might be surprised how much oil some countries use. Later on in the project I think you might see the rate of reliability when using renewable sources.
I will now explain to you the different types of energy resources and the advantages and disadvantages involved.
Solar Power:
Solar power is energy that is produced by our sun. It is the oldest and most efficient form of renewable energy.
The first and probably most important way is the ability of the sun to produce electricity. This is achieved by the use of photovoltaic panels.
These panels are primarily made out of silicon, phosphorus and boron. When the sun’s rays strike the panels, the combination of these materials produces electricity. This electricity is sent to a battery where it is stored for use. The stored energy can be used to operate computers, lights, televisions, heaters, air conditioners, cars and even video games. And this all occurs without any damage to our environment.
Another way the sun can be used is to heat water. This simple and efficient way of using the sun is called solar thermal technology. It can and is used to heat water for schools and homes and produce electricity for power companies.