ENERGY

Energy

The capacity to do work, divided into potential energy (stored energy) and kinetic energy (energy in motion).

Thermodynamics

The study of energy transformations, governed by the laws of conservation of energy and entropy.

Renewable Energy Sources

Energy sources like solar, wind, geothermal, hydropower, and biomass that can be replenished and are sustainable.

Fossil Fuels

Non-renewable energy sources like coal, oil, and natural gas formed from remains of organisms, contributing to air, water, and land pollution.

Solar Energy

Inexhaustible energy from the sun, converted to electricity by photovoltaic cells, with no pollution when used.

Wind Energy

Generated by wind turbines capturing air movement, producing low environmental impact and no emissions of greenhouse gases.

Nuclear Energy

Involves nuclear reactions like fission and fusion to release energy, with concerns about accidents, radiation exposure, and waste disposal.

Hydropower Energy

Uses flowing water to produce electricity, often through dams, impacting ecosystems and causing waterborne diseases.

Biomass Energy

Derived from plant materials and animal waste, can be burned directly or converted into biofuels, reducing fossil fuel burning.

Geothermal Energy

Tapped from Earth's core heat or radioactive decay, with advantages in emission reduction but challenges with hydrogen sulfide gas and equipment corrosion.

National Appliance Energy Conservation Act (NAECA)

Legislation setting efficiency standards for appliances like refrigerators and washing machines to save energy and money.

Efficiency rating labels

Mandatory labels on appliances indicating their energy efficiency, promoting high-quality, durable products that save energy and reduce noise.

Renewable energy sources

Energy sources like wind, solar, geothermal, and biofuels that can be replenished, reducing energy costs, pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions.

Non-renewable energy sources

Include fossil fuels such as petroleum, coal, and natural gas, which take years to replenish and contribute to environmental issues.

Solar energy

Derived from the sun, considered an infinite source of energy and a key renewable energy option.

Wind energy

Generated by turbines converting wind power into electrical energy, a clean and renewable energy source.

Hydropower

Electricity generated from running or falling water through dams, a renewable energy source utilizing water resources.

Geothermal energy

Heat energy from the Earth's core and radioactive decay, converted into electricity, offering a sustainable energy option.

Biomass

Energy derived from plant materials and animal waste, can be burned directly or converted into gaseous or liquid fuel, contributing to renewable energy sources.

Tidal energy

Generated from tidal waves influenced by the gravitational pull of the moon and sun, harnessed to produce electricity, another renewable energy option.