Energy Types, Sources and Environmental Impacts

Energy: Definition and Forms

Energy: the ability of a body to make changes and do work.

Forms of Energy

Form of energy:

• Mechanical Energy (E.mechanical)

  E.mechanical: is the energy possessed by bodies; it includes kinetic energy present in any movement and potential energy, for example the energy stored in the dock of a clock.

• Nuclear Energy (E.nuclear)

  E.nuclear: is contained in the nuclei of atoms.

• Thermal Energy (E.thermal / Heat)

  E.thermal (heat): it is due to the vibration of the particles that constitute matter. Temperature is a measure of the thermal energy of a body.

• Chemical Energy (E.chemical)

  E.chemical: the energy stored in substances because of the arrangement or structure of the molecules that constitute them.

• Electrical Energy (E.electrical)

  E.electrical: the electric current associated with this type of energy starts machines, apparatuses, or appliances that connect to the electrical network.

• Other Forms of Energy

  Other forms of energy: sound energy and electromagnetic energy.

Principle of Conservation

The principle of conservation of energy: states that energy can neither be created nor destroyed but is transformed into other forms.

Power and Its Expression

Power: the power of a machine is the amount of work it is able to perform per unit time. It is expressed as follows: P = W / t.

Energy Sources

Energy sources: they are natural resources which provide different forms of energy that can be converted for actual use.

Renewable Energy and Types

Renewable energy:

• Hydraulic Energy (E.hidraulica)

  E.hidraulica: the mechanical energy that streams and bodies of water have when they circulate or are stored on the earth's surface.

• Solar Energy (E.solar)

  E.solar: thermonuclear radiation coming from processes taking place inside the sun.

• Wind Energy (E.eolica)

  E.eolica: is the wind power, commonly referred to as wind energy.

• Ocean Energy (E.oceanica)

  E.oceanica: the sea has different forms of energy utilization.

• Geothermal Energy (E.geotermica)

  E.geotermica: comes from the internal heat of the Earth's crust.

• Biomass

  Biomass: obtained from crop waste, forest residues, and agricultural vegetation (for example sunflower and beets) as well as organic remnants and wastewater.

• Municipal Solid Waste (MSW)

  MSW: also generated in cities and can be a source of energy when managed appropriately.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Renewable Energies

Advantages and disadvantages of renewable energies: renewables offer many benefits; the process can be cheaper and cleaner. Its drawbacks: some energy sources are concentrated in limited areas and some are variable and irregular.

Non-Renewable Energies and the Environment

Non-renewable energies and environment:

• Greenhouse Gas Increase

  The increase in greenhouse gases: burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide. When this gas accumulates in excess in the atmosphere it causes an increase in the planet's temperature.

• Acid Rain

  Acid rain: caused by burning coal and oil, generating sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides.

• Oil Slicks

  Oil slicks: are caused by uncontrolled dumping of oil into the sea.

• Waste

  Waste: should be stored with extreme security.

• Risk of Accidents

  Risk of accidents: there is a risk of accidents at nuclear facilities.

• Water Heating

  Water heating: cooling circuits in thermal power plants cause a rise in the temperature of rivers and seas.

• Air Pollution

  Air pollution: is caused by road traffic and industrial activities.