The 2 broad types
Pros and Cons of each type
Ways in which they are harnessed
There two main types of energy these are:
1. Potential energy
2. Kinetic energy
Potential energy
Potential energy is energy stored due to position. The following are some example in which potential energy can be found.
1. Wound-up spring
When a spring of a dock work toy car unwinds, the stored energy in the spring drives the wheels and the car moves. The wound-up spring is said to posse potential energy.
2. A raised object
An object raised to a height above the Earth's surface posse potential energy due to its position. Other objects possessing potential energy include;
3. Cultputt with a stone
4. An arrow pulled on the bow
5. Magnets
Kinetic energy
This is the energy possessed by a moving body.
Example include the following:
1. A moving car
When a car is moving it is said to posses kinetic energy. This energy depends on the moving.
2. When a boulder on a top of a hill is hurled down its energy changes from potential energy to kinetic energy.
Energy resources
Energy resources are stores of convertible energy. These resources are divided into two groups:
Non renewable resources which include fossil fuels (e.g. coal, oil and gas) and nuclear fuels.
Renewable resources, which include wind, tidal, geothermal, and hydroelectric power.
Non renewable sources
Are used in thermal power stations to produce heat energy that turns water into steam. The steam drives turbines and in turn drives the generators that produce electrical energy.
Fossil fuels
Coal, oil and natural gas are all called fossil fuels because they are fossilized remains of plants and animals that live million of years ago. Burning fossil fuels release chemicals that cause acid rain, and its gradually increasing the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere causing global warming.
Oil
Largest energy source. Future use will depend on shift from growing to declining supply.
Coal
The most