Sources of Energy and Conservation of Energy

Energy has taken the place of basic need in our daily life. One way or another everything depends on upon energy. The source of energy is the one which can provide an adequate amount of energy in a convenient form over a long period of time.

Thus, we can say that energy required in every field. Usually, energy in the form of fuel and electricity is used to carry out all the activities whether in houses, offices or industries. All sources of energy can be divided into two main categories: renewable sources of energy and non-renewable sources of energy.

Renewable Sources of Energy

The sources of energy which are inexhaustible and are being continuously supplied by nature are known as renewables sources of energy.

For example i) Wind ii) Flowing water iii) Ocean tidal energy iv) Interior of the earth v) Biogas Renewable Sources of Energy vi) The sun vii) Plants and vegetables

Non-renewable Sources of Energy

The sources of energy which are exhaustible and have been formed in nature long ago are known as non-renewable sources of energy.

Example: i) Coal ii) petroleum iii) fissionable materials like uranium iv) Natural0gas

These sources of energy are also known as conventional sources of energy.

Importance of Energy

Importance of energy in our everyday life are as follows:

1. we need the energy to develop a personality,
2. to sustain life energy is needed,
3. to cook food and performing daily activities like sitting, talking, walking, thinking etc,
4. to do different mechanical work life lifting a load, driving automobiles, carrying things from one place to another place etc.

Energy Crisis

The continuous use of a non-renewable source of energy causes the serious problem of energy scarcity. Such an energy scarcity is known as an energy crisis. Due to the overgrowth of modern civilisation1 and ever increasing population more energy has been used up. For example, the petroleum products, coal etc are being finished, forests are being reduced and the ground level has decreased. Overuse of non-renewable source of energy has brought this scarcity.

Conservation of Energy

In order to solve energy crises, we have to reduce the use of excess energy which is called conservation of energy. The following steps are to be taken to conserve the energy.

1. The renewable is created in sources of energy should be used in place of non-renewable one.
2. The use of firewood should be reduced as far as possible.
3. Deforestation should be stopped and forestation should be implemented.
4. Solar and electrical vehicles should be used in place of petroleum vehicles.
5. The world’s population must be controlled.
6. Awareness about the importance of energy conservation should people.

Transformation of energy

The process of changing or converting one form of energy into another form is known as transformation energy.

Some of the examples of transformation of energy are:

1. When we listen to music then electrical energy is converted into sound energy. In the case of watching TV, electrical energy is converted into sound energy and light energy.
2. When an electric current passes through an electric bulb, it glows and gives out light and heat. Electrical energy is converted into heat and light energy.
3. When we rub our hand, they become warm. In this case, mechanical energy is converted into heat energy.
4. When a pendulum swings, the potential energy is converted into kinetic energy and vice-versa.

Reference

Manu Kumar Khatry, Manoj Kumar Thapa, et al. Principle of Physics. Kathmandu: Ayam publication PVT LTD, 2010.

S.K. Gautam, J.M. Pradhan. A text Book of Physics. Kathmandu: Surya Publication, 2003.