Energy Types How many kinds of energy types exist on our planet?

What are they and what are their basic aspects? Get answers to all such and many more similar questions about the energy types from my presentation... Energy, as most of us know, is simply defined as the capacity to perform work. It is a scalar quantity. A scalar quantity is one that is specified by its magnitude and it lacks direction. Joules, kilowatt-hours and kilo-calories are the different units which are used to measure energy. Let us now discuss the various energy types which exist on our planet Earth. Potential Energy Let's begin with this discussion on energy types with knowing about potential energy. Defined as "the mechanical energy that a body has by virtue of its position", potential energy is basically a stored energy. The SI unit of measure of this energy is Joules. Example of potential energy is water kept in an elevated tank. Kinetic Energy The dictionary definition of kinetic energy is "The mechanical energy that a body has by virtue of its motion". So, here we are taking about motion and it can be attributed as the work which is required to cause a body at rest, to accelerate, so that it has a magnitude of velocity. A ball flying through air is said to have kinetic energy. Mechanical Energy Taking down to the third segment of it on energy types, the energy that is produced as the sum of potential and kinetic, is known as the mechanical energy. Mechanical energy is associated with the motion and position of the object. The acts of lifting, stretching or twisting are an example of this kind of energy. Thermal Energy Let's understand this one of the energy types through a simple example. Let's consider a cup of hot water as the example. Here, the water molecules possess kinetic energy and potential energy as well. Kinetic energy because of the fact that they are in a state of moving and vibrating. And the same

molecules possess potential energy because they are mutually attracted to each other. This type of energy is basically internal. Heat Energy Heat energy may be similar to the principle of thermal energy as described above. However, if we look at the subject intricately, heat energy is just the transfer of energy from a substance to another. This mainly happens as a result of temperature difference. This energy gets transferred with the help of conduction, convection and radiation. Heat always remains in a process function and hence, cannot be contained or stored, unlike thermal energy which can be contained in an object. Light Energy The sixth one to be discussed in our explanation of the energy types, is light energy. Also known as electromagnetic radiation or radiant energy, this one is produced by moving electrically charged particles. This energy in some cases behaves like photons ("a quantum of electromagnetic radiation") or sometimes like waves. Nuclear Energy Nuclear energy is the form of energy that is released as a result of a nuclear reaction. Now this reaction may consist of nuclear fission or nuclear fusion. Nuclear power plants provide about 6% of the world's energy and 1314% of the world's electricity, with the U.S., France, and Japan together accounting for about 50% of nuclear generated electricity. Tidal energy Tidal electricity, or tidal power, is an alternative form of energy which is generated by harnessing the kinetic energy of tides. It is anticipated, that the tidal power will become one of the major source of electricity in the future. Generation of tidal electricity is slightly similar to generation of hydroelectricity. Advantages of Tidal Electricity

It is an inexpensive source of power. As tides are predictable, the power generated from them is more reliable than other sources such as wind energy. Utilization of tidal power will lessen the use of nuclear power, which is costly and involves a lot of risk.\

Solar energy We all know that solar energy is one of the most powerful and inexhaustible sources of energy. The need to explore alternative sources of energy arose when large-scale consumption of energy started taking place in the form of fossil fuels, coals, gas. These are forms of exhaustible energy as they are limited in supply and will end some day. Solar power will never get exhausted. If we have to describe what solar energy is in simple words, we would say, it is the energy obtained from the sunlight and used to heat water, in room coolers or heaters and as power for industrial purposes. Solar energy is very easily obtained, by trapping the sun rays in solar cells.

So, this ends my brief explanation of the energy types. Before I conclude, let me list down the various types of renewable energy sources. These are also regarded as the types of alternative energy sources, as they can be used instead of the non-renewable sources of energy. They are:

Geothermal energy Wind power Radiant Energy Hydroelectric energy Wave energy Biomass energy Compressed natural gas

With this, I would like to put a period to my presentation of all the various energy types available. Hope the information provided in this presentation comes handy!