Energy

Energy

Introduction

The conversion of energy from one form to another is an elementary concept in the field of physics, along with the conversion of momentum and mass. In physics the energy within some problem domain is the amount of energy that remains invariable and it could neither be destroyed nor can it be created. A basic law of physics is that of conservation of energy. This law tells us that energy cannot be created from nothing or destroyed but can be transformed. A good example of energy transformation is the use of electrical energy to heat a substance. For example, by passing an electric current through the element in a kettle (which is simply a large resistor), it uses an amount of electrical energy E. This electrical energy causes heating of the element. If you put water in the kettle, the water absorbs the heat energy generated by the Q element. While its temperature increases by an amount T. In a perfectly isolated, there is no transfer of energy to the environment (Russell, 1967). Then:

Discussion

Fossil fuels (oil, natural gas and coal) are the raw material for the chemical industry and the energy source most used in the world: they provide more than 80% of the energy used to power ahead nuclear and other forms of energy (hydro, wind, solar). The world's energy needs have increased dramatically during the twentieth century and the development of emerging countries such as China predicts an increase even faster in the coming decades. The International Energy Agency predicts that the demand of the next twenty-five years will require a production equal to one hundred and fifty years of fossil fuel. But resources are not inexhaustible: these products are formed by a succession of geological and biological mechanisms that take millions of years to accomplish; these resources are not renewable at a human time scale.

Benefits of fossil fuels

Oil

High calorific (good performance)

Regular source of energy

Can obtain wide variety of petroleum products

Coal

High energy

You can eat in the same place of extraction

It saves transportation costs

Natural gas

Natural gas has a competitive price

It has several operational advantages over other fuels

Its combustion is much cleaner than other fuels, which facilitates and compliments the environmental standards

Given the clean burning, to explore markets that previously were difficult to enter by environmental restrictions

Alternatives to fossil fuels

There are an extensive amount of alternatives to fossil fuels; following are the two alternatives the uses of which are ...