Types of Energy : Introduction, Types, & Non Renewable Energy

Introduction of Energy 

The ability or power to do work, such as the ability to move an item by applying force to it. Work may be defined as the ability to move an object from one location to another. There are many different types of energy, including electrical, mechanical, chemical, thermal, or radioactive, and they can be changed from one state to another. These are all types of energy.

What is Energy?

Energy is the quantitative quality that may be transmitted to a body or a physical system. It can be recognized in the form of work that is done and in the form of heat and light.

What are the Different Types of Energy?

It is impossible to generate or destroy energy; rather, its state can only be altered from one form to another. Motion is intrinsically linked to every kind of energy. Kinetic energy is an example of this, and it may be possessed by anybody moving. Although it is not currently moving, a tensioned device such as a bow or spring can do so due to its arrangement; this capability is referred to as potential energy. Similarly, nuclear energy is potential energy since it is caused by the structure of subatomic particles that are contained inside the nucleus of an atom. Electric wheels, static electricity, etc. are all examples of electric energy.

1. Mechanical Energy

The term “mechanical energy” refers to the kind of energy that arises as a consequence of the motion or position of an item. Kinetic and potential energy are the two components that make up mechanical energy. It can be converted to kinetic energy and considered one of the types of energy transfer.

2. Electrical Energy

Electrical energy is the name given to the kind of energy that is carried by electrons when they move across a conductor. Lightning is the natural source of energy used in electrical devices. Energy is one of the most prevalent energy types with many practical applications. There are many examples of electric energy.

3. Nuclear energy

The energy that is held inside every atom is known as nuclear energy. Fusion or fission may be used to generate nuclear energy. The fission process is the one that sees the most use.

4. Kinetic Energy

Objects in motion can bring about a change or, put it another way, carry out work. Kinetic energy is the name given to the kind of energy related to an item’s motion. Kinetic energy may be found in moving objects like a speeding bullet, a person walking, and electromagnetic radiation like light. The conversion of energy from kinetic to potential energy are types of energy transfer.

5. Potential Energy

Potential energy is a kind of stored energy whose use is determined by how several system components are arranged relative to one another. The potential energy it holds increases when the spring is squeezed or extended. There are many types of potential energy. Electric potential energy, chemical potential energy, and gravitational potential energy are all types of potential energy. When compared to its energy after it has reached Earth’s surface, the potential energy that a steel ball possesses when it is suspended in the air is greater. It is one of the types of energy transfer.

6. Gravitational Energy

The force of attraction between two bodies based on their masses is the energy associated with gravity. It is possible to use it as a foundation for mechanical energy, such as the potential energy of an object, such as the kinetic energy of the Moon as it orbits the Earth. It can also be considered as one of the types of potential energy.

Types of Energy Resources

The ability of a physical system to carry out work is referred to as its energy. Many manifestations of energy include heat, kinetic or mechanical energy, light, electrical energy, potential energy, and other images. Energy may be defined as the capacity to carry out tasks. Both renewable and nonrenewable categories may be used for different energy sources.

1. Renewable Resources

The energy that is obtained from renewable resources, or those that are naturally renewed in a period relevant to humans, is referred to as renewable energy. It comes from various places, including the sun, the wind, the currents of moving water, and geothermal heat. Although the majority of sources of renewable energy are sustainable, there are a few that are not. For instance, given the current pace of exploitation, some biomass sources are not considered sustainable. In many cases, renewable energy supplies the energy necessary for electricity production for a grid, as well as for the heating and cooling of air and water, and for stand-alone power systems. 

Renewable energy sources account for around 20 per cent of humankind’s total global energy consumption, including almost 30 per cent of the world’s electricity. Traditional biomass only accounts for about 7 per cent of unlimited energy usage, although this percentage is falling. Over four per cent of the thermal energy used comes from contemporary renewable sources like solar water heating, and over six per cent comes from electrical sources.

Solar Energy

The sun is our main and most reliable source of energy. Sunlight is a sustainable and environmentally friendly source of energy. The fact that the sun shines almost every day makes it a sustainable resource, which means that it does not deplete with time and may continue to be used. It provides us with daytime illumination, dries our clothing and agricultural products, keeps us warm, and does much more. However, its potential is far greater. It can also be considered as one of the examples of electric energy.

Wind Energy

Wind may be defined as the natural flow of air over land or across the water. A windmill works because the wind is used to spin the blades, which rotate the shaft to the edges linked together. The generation of electricity is accomplished by the movement of a pole via a pump or generator. With a total installed capacity of 39990.10 megawatts, India is currently the fourth biggest wind power installation in the world. The wind farms in India are almost entirely owned by private companies.

Biomass and biofuels

Through a process known as photosynthesis, plants can convert the energy from the sun into biomass. This biomass is processed via different cycles, resulting in the generation of various types of energy. For instance, animal feed produces manure, agricultural byproducts that may be used in cooking, etc. 

2. Non Renewable Resources

The resources from which nonrenewable forms of energy are derived are not expected to be renewed in our lifetimes or even in the lifetimes of many, future generations. Most nonrenewable energy sources, such as coal, petroleum, and natural gas, are considered fossil fuels. The majority of fossil fuels are composed mostly of carbon.

Fossil Fuels

The persistent heating and compression of organic stuff buried deep under the planet’s surface gives rise to the formation of fossil fuels. Most organic matter is composed of the remnants of plants and animals subjected to decomposition, heat, and compression for millions of years to produce fossil deposits.

Natural Gas

Natural gas is a nonrenewable resource that may be discovered below the crust of the Earth and near crude oil reserves in the subsurface. It is a gaseous substance. Methane makes up the vast majority of natural gas. 

Coal

The compression of organic matter results in the formation of coal, which is rich in carbon and hydrocarbon materials. It originated from plant-rich marshes buried by sediments for a considerable time, which contributed to its formation. 

Conclusion

There are all types of energy, including chemical, electrical, radiative, mechanical, thermal, and nuclear. If you do extra study, you can find references to different types, such as electrochemical, acoustic, electromagnetic, and other energy. Using renewable energy sources has some environmentally and economically positive effects. The production of power does not result in the release of greenhouse gases from the combustion of fossil fuels, which also helps to minimise some forms of air pollution. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where was the first oil well drilled in Asia?

The first oil well to be dug in Asia occurred in the state of Assam, which is located in India. Digboi in the Assam-Arakan Basin was the location where, in 1889, geologists made the first discovery of oil reserves. The Digboi oil refinery has the distinction of being the world’s oldest oil well.

2. Why is energy important?

Because it is a necessity for our survival as humans, energy plays a significant role in our day-to-day activities. Not only do we utilise power to heat the buildings and other structures that we have created, but we also use it to heat and cool them. Energy is required for even the simplest tasks, such as getting out of bed, walking down the street, or raising one’s finger.

3. What is the energy formula?

The ability to carry out labour is what we mean when we talk about energy. Formula. Potential energy is the energy that is held in an item owing to its location and height, and the procedure for determining potential energy is as follows: P.E. = mgh