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Chapter 21: Problem 76

Sources of energy on Earth include fossil fuels, geothermal, gravitational, hydroelectric, nuclear fission, nuclear fusion, solar, and wind. Which of these have a "nuclear origin," either directly or indirectly?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The energy sources on Earth that have a nuclear origin, either directly or indirectly, are nuclear fission, nuclear fusion, and solar energy.

Step by step solution

01

Definition of Nuclear Origin

Nuclear origin in the context of energy sources indicates that the source of the energy either stems from processes taking place within the nucleus of an atom, such as nuclear fusion or fission, or as a result of such nuclear processes, such as those occurring in the Sun.
02

Classifying the Energy Sources

Nuclear fission and nuclear fusion are sources of energy derived directly from the nucleus of atoms. While nuclear fission involves the splitting of an atomic nucleus, nuclear fusion refers to the combination of two or lighter atomic nuclei into a heavier nucleus. These processes release considerable amounts of energy and are therefore of nuclear origin.
03

Solar Energy

Solar energy has an indirect nucleus origin. The Sun's energy comes from the process of nuclear fusion, where hydrogen nuclei combine to form helium, releasing a large amount of energy. This energy is radiated out into space as light and heat, which we experience as sunlight on Earth. Thus, solar energy stems indirectly from a nuclear process.
04

Finalizing the Classification

The remaining energy sources do not have a nuclear origin, neither direct nor indirect. Fossil fuels, geothermal, gravitational, hydroelectric, and wind energies are derived from different processes not related to nuclear reactions and hence aren't of nuclear origin.

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