What are the fundamental sources of energy?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The fundamental sources of energy include solar energy, wind energy, hydropower, geothermal energy, biomass, fossil fuels, and nuclear energy. These sources rely on various processes such as nuclear fusion, movement of air due to temperature differences, water flow, Earth's crust heat, photosynthesis, and nuclear reactions to produce heat or electricity, which can be harnessed for different applications.

Step by step solution

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1. Solar Energy

Solar energy is the most abundant and accessible source of energy on Earth. It is produced by the nuclear fusion reactions occurring in the sun's core, and it reaches our planet in the form of sunlight. Solar energy can be harnessed using solar panels to produce electricity or solar thermal systems to produce heat.
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2. Wind Energy

Wind energy is generated by the movement of air masses due to differences in temperature and pressure. This movement of air can be captured by wind turbines, which convert the kinetic energy of the wind into electrical energy that can be used for a wide range of applications.
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3. Hydropower

Hydropower is the energy generated by the movement of water. This energy can be harnessed using dams, where the potential energy of stored water is converted into kinetic energy by allowing the water to flow through a turbine, generating electricity.
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4. Geothermal Energy

Geothermal energy is the heat stored within the Earth's crust. This heat can be harnessed by tapping into underground reservoirs of hot water or steam, which can then be used to drive a turbine and generate electricity or provide heat for various applications.
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5. Biomass

Biomass refers to organic material, such as wood, crops, and waste, that can be used as a fuel to produce heat or electricity. The energy stored in biomass is the result of photosynthesis, where plants convert sunlight into chemical energy, which can then be released through combustion or various other processes.
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6. Fossil Fuels

Fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, are the remains of ancient plants and animals that have been subjected to heat and pressure over millions of years. These fuels contain a large amount of stored energy, which can be released through combustion to produce heat or electricity.
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7. Nuclear Energy

Nuclear energy is the energy released from the nucleus of an atom during nuclear reactions, such as fission or fusion. In nuclear power plants, uranium atoms are split in a controlled nuclear reaction to release a large amount of energy, which is then used to generate electricity.

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