Different Energy Sources and Their Classification

Introduction:

A source of energy is that which can provide enough useful energy at a steady rate over a long period.

Sources of energy are classified as:

• Renewable energy source
• Non-renewable energy sources

Explanation:

Renewable Sources of Energy:

Renewable sources of energy are those that are inexhaustible, i.e., which can be replaced as we use them and can be used to produce energy again and again.

 Fig-1: Renewable sources of energy

Advantages of Renewable Sources of Energy:

1. These sources will last forever.
2. These sources are freely available in nature.
3. These sources do not cause any pollution.

Non-renewable Sources of Energy:

Non-renewable sources of energy are those that are exhaustible and cannot be replaced once they have been used.

Fig-2: Non-renewable sources of energy

Disadvantages of Non-renewable Sources of Energy:

1. Due to their extensive use, these sources are quickly depleting.
2. It is difficult to discover and exploit new deposits of these sources.
3. These sources are a major cause of environmental pollution.

Characteristics of a Good Source of Energy:

1. Safe and convenient to use 
2. Easy to transport
3. Easy to store
4. Easily accessible
5. Economical
6. Able to produce a large amount of energy

A few sources of energy are:

• The Sun
• Flowing water
• Waves
• Fossil fuels
• Wind
• Biomass

The Sun:

The Sun is the ultimate main source of energy. The energy that we get from the Sun is known as solar energy. Solar energy is used to generate electricity through the use of solar panels.

Flowing Water:

Water stored in dams at height is the source of potential energy; when the gates of the dams are opened, the water starts to flow down; thus, the potential energy of the stored water changes to kinetic energy, which is used in hydropower plants to rotate the turbine to generate electricity.

Waves:

Wave energy is also known as ocean energy. It is a natural source of energy. Wave energy is a form of renewable energy that can be harnessed from the motion of the waves. Ocean waves are used to rotate the turbines in the ocean to generate electricity.

Fossil Fuels:

A non-renewable source of energy is fossil fuels. The elements that are naturally generated in the Earth’s crust from the remains of dead plants and animals and used as fuel are known as fossil fuels. Coal, petrol, diesel, and natural gas are the basic fossil fuels. Fossil fuels can be used to produce electricity, power engines in cars, or supply heat for direct consumption (like for cooking or heating).

Wind:

Wind energy is the kinetic energy of air in motion. It is a natural source of energy. A clean, cost-free, and easily accessible renewable energy source is the wind. Wind turbines harness the energy of the wind and convert it into electricity every day.

Biomass:

The energy created or generated by living or formerly living creatures is known as biomass energy. Plants, like soy and corn, are the most common biomass sources utilized for energy. Plant-based biomass is used as a fuel to generate heat or electricity. Examples include wood and its byproducts, energy crops, agricultural trash, and household, farm, and industrial garbage.

Fig-3: Biomass

     Summary

• Energy is defined as the ability of a body to do work.
• A source of energy is that which can provide enough useful energy at a steady rate over a long period.
• A good source of energy should be:
• Safe and convenient to use 
• Easy to transport
• Easy to store
• Easily accessible
• Economical
• A few sources of energy are:
• The Sun
• Flowing water
• Waves
• Fossil fuels
• Wind
• Biomass