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Chapter 7: Problem 9

If conservation of energy is a law of nature, why do we have programs- -like mileage requirements for cars or insulation stan- -dards for buildings- -designed to encourage energy conservation?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The law of conservation of energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred or transformed. Energy conservation programs are designed to enhance the efficiency of energy usage instead of creating or destroying energy. They aim to reduce the wastage of energy and increase the effective usage of energy resources. Hence, these programs do not violate the law of conservation of energy; rather, they work within its principles to optimize energy use.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the law of conservation of energy

The law of conservation of energy can be understood as the principle that energy cannot be created nor destroyed but merely transformed from one form to another or transferred from one body to another.
02

Understand energy usage in the context of cars and buildings

In the context of cars and buildings, energy is consumed for performance and comfort. Fuels are burned in cars to produce motion, and energy is used in buildings for heating, cooling, and powering other functions. However, not all of this energy is put to efficient use. Some of it transforms into less useful forms such as heat and noise. This is where energy conservation comes into play.
03

Conceptualize energy conservation and efficiency

While the total amount of energy in a closed system remains constant due to the law of conservation of energy, we can optimize how we use this energy. Energy conservation has more to do with increasing the efficiency of energy usage rather than violating the law of conservation of energy. In this context, conserving energy means reducing wastage and increasing efficiency, essentially getting the maximum utility out of the least amount of energy.

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