Forms and Sources of Energy
The central notion of energy is that it can be converted while working or heating, while its total amount will remain constant. The energy conservation law notes that it cannot be formed or destroyed but only transformed from one form to another (Tillery 75). Energy can be observed in work, motion, position, radiation (light), heat, chemical, and nuclear energy. These manifestations of energy have various sources, including petroleum, coal, moving water, nuclear power, and solar power. They can be used in transport, energy production, heating, and lighting.
Work
Work is defined as the product of the applied force and the parallel distance through which the force acts. The unit of work and energy measurement is joules (J) (Tillery 68). The amount of work done is affected by certain conditions, such as the direction of the force. Thus, if the force is parallel to the direction of motion, the work rate will be maximum. Simple machines, such as inclined planes, wedges, screws, levers, or wheels, can multiply work by utilizing the ratio of distances.
Power
While analyzing the concept of work, it is also worth considering the concept of power. The rate at which work is completed or energy changes is called power. It can be calculated as the work done divided by the time taken.
Potential and Kinetic Energy
Moreover, a relationship between work and energy is defined by motion and position explored (Tillery 69). Therefore, potential energy, such as gravitational potential energy, is associated with an object’s position. In addition, there is kinetic energy associated with an object’s motion. It arises from work or a change in potential energy and is defined as speed squared (Tillery 70).
There are also different forms of energy, such as mechanical, electrical, chemical, radiant, and nuclear energy. Finally, energy flow is explained in terms of work against forces such as inertia, gravity, friction, and shape.
Energy Conversion and the Conservation Law
The concept of energy conversion will be explained further. It is worth noting that each form of energy can be transformed into another while energy flows naturally, and its total amount in the system remains unchanged. (Tillery 75). It once again emphasizes the law of conservation of energy. Considering the pace of energy consumption nowadays, there are differences between various types of energy, such as petroleum, coal, moving water, and nuclear energy. Interestingly, at this stage of the development of the energy sector, fossil fuels and nuclear power are the primary sources.
The Future of Energy Resources and Sustainability
Finally, the future of energy resources should be outlined. Alternative energy sources, including solar, geothermal, hydrogen gas, and fusion, should be studied in detail and implemented in everyday consumption. They are significantly different from the energy sources people are used to, but their use provides significant insight into the environmental sustainability of future life. Furthermore, energy conservation is a way to reduce the need for additional energy consumption, as well as to save money and ensure compliance with the population’s energy demands (Tillery 79). Due to these arguments, the presentation emphasized the importance of energy efficiency. Moreover, the potential for future energy sources is solar technologies, wind energy, biomass, ocean thermal energy conversion, geothermal energy, and hydrogen.
Work Cited
Tillery, Bill W. Physical Science. Energy. 11 ed., McGraw-Hill Education, 2017.