Energy Resources

Energy Transfers

• Mechanical

• Thermal

• Electromagnetic

• Chemical

The Sun

Transfers energy to the Earth by electromagnetic radiation and supplies almost all energy sources except:

• Geothermal (heating from the Earth’s core)

• Nuclear (reactions with radioactive elements)

• Tidal (movement of water from the Moon’s gravitational attraction)

Wind energy

Wind moves turbines that can spin a generator and produce electricity.

Pros

• Cheap

• Carbon neutral

• No carbon emissions

Cons

• Non reliable

• Many turbines needed to produce any usable energy

Geothermal energy

Energy stored in the thermal store of rocks and springs of the earth, that can be extracting by using the hot water to turn turbines to produce electricity.

Pros:

• Renewable

• Reliable

Cons:

• Few suitable locations to extract

• Releases methane, which is a greenhouse gas

Nuclear energy

The sun produces energy by fusion reaction of fusing hydrogen and helium nuclei.

Nuclear power plants on Earth use nuclear fission to split a nucleus of a radioactive material into smaller nuclei.

Pros:

• Very high power output

• No emissions

• Low quantity of fuel needed

Cons:

• Radioactive waste highly dangerous and needs to be disposed properly

• High cost to build plants

Hydroelectric dams

Converts gravitational potential energy of water into kinetic energy which can turn turbines and produce electricity. However, it can destroy natural habitats, they are expensive and can be affected by droughts.

Tidal/Wave power

Waves are used to turn a turbine that can produce electricity, but it is unreliable as energy output depends on waves, and also damages habitats and can only be built in specific locations.

Fossil fuels

Coal, crude oil or methane formed from remains of plant/animal matter over 1000s of years. The Sun transfers thermal energy which is converted to chemical energy by photosynthesis and these plants are eaten by animals.

Pros

• Very high energy output

• Safe to store and use

Cons

• Cause high carbon emissions

• Non renewable