Energy : Basics and Various Sources

Understanding Energy: An Introduction

Energy is an elusive force, imperceptible to the naked eye, yet it empowers us to accomplish tasks. In simple terms, the capacity of a body or system to perform work is what we define as energy. We encounter energy in various forms, such as through the food we consume and the radiance of sunlight. It's crucial to note that without energy, no system, including our own bodies, can engage in any form of activity. Therefore, energy stands as an essential cornerstone of human society.

Energy : Key Attributes and Properties

Energy is an intangible essence that eludes direct observation. While we can witness the outcomes of energy in the actions and achievements it drives, energy itself remains hidden from view. This fundamental force possesses numerous characteristics, but one of its most fundamental attributes is its universality.

Energy can neither be created nor be destroyed. It just changes its form.

We may see different forms or nature of works but the energy doing that work remains same. For example you convert chemical energy of coal into heat and that heat into electricity with the help of steam turbine and water and the same electricity can be converted into light energy from a LED (Light Emitting Diode). This shows how energy changes it form.

Energy: Various Forms

Energy exists in various forms, as stated earlier. Some very common forms of energy are as below :

• Electrical Energy
• Mechanical Energy
• Kinetic Energy (Due to Movement or Speed)
• Potential Energy (Due to Position or Height)
• Chemical Energy
• Atomic/Nuclear Energy
• Solar Energy
• Wind Energy
• Tidal Energy
• Sound Energy
• Heat/Thermal Energy
• Geothermal Energy

I will discuss these energies in detail in later articles.

Energy: Various Sources

All above forms of energy are extracted from various sources like Sun, Atoms, Wind, Chemical compounds, Sea etc. All these sources of energy are classified into two categories as given below:

• Conventional/Non Renewable Sources of Energy
• Non-Conventional/Renewable Sources of Energy

Conventional/Non Renewable Sources of Energy are those sources which are being used since long time and cannot be renewed i.e. once used the cannot used again. Once you used such source for energy they cannot be used again. For example Coal, Diesel, Petrol etc.
Non-Conventional/Renewable Sources of Energy are those sources which are relatively new and these can be renewed i.e. can be used again and again. Once you used such source for energy they can be used again to give energy to you. For Example Sun, Wind, Tidal Energy etc. These are discussed in detail at Non Conventional Sources of Energy : Basics, Advantages, Disadvantages and Challenges