2. Prepare a list of all the sources of energy you studied in this chapter. Mention their two
advantages and disadvantages/limitations. Classify them in renewable or inexhaustible and
nonrenewable or exhaustible sources in tabular form as shown below.
Source of
Advantages
Disadvantages/
renewable (inexhaustible) /
Energy
Limitations
non renewable (exhaustible)
Answers
Answer:
Energy is the capacity of a physical system to perform work. Energy exists in several forms such as heat , kinetic or mechanical energy, light, potential energy , electrical, or other forms. Energy is the ability to do work. Energy sources could be classified as Renewable and Non-renewable.
Renewable Energy
Renewable energy is derived from natural processes that are replenished constantly such as solar, wind, ocean, hydropower, biomass, geothermal resources, and biofuels and hydrogen.
Solar Energy
Sun is the primary source of energy. Sunlight is a clean, renewable source of energy. It is a sustainable resource, meaning it doesn't run out, but can be maintained because the sun shines almost every day. Coal or gas are not sustainable or renewable: once they are gone, there is none left. More and more people are wanting to use clean, renewable energy such as solar, wind, geothermal steam and others. It is called 'Green Power'. It lights our houses by day, dries our clothes and agricultural produce, keeps us warm and lots more. Its potential is however much larger
Advantages
It is a perennial, natural source and free
It is available in plenty
It is non-polluting
It does not emit any green house gases.
Solar energy offers decentralization in most (sunny) locations, meaning self-reliant societies.
One of the biggest advantages of solar energy is the ability to avoid the politics and price volatility that is increasingly characterizing fossil fuel markets.
It doesn’t result in the destruction of forests and eco-systems that occurs with most fossil fuel operations.
Disadvantages
Dependent on change in seasons / weather – hence they may not be used always
Requires high initial investments for productive use
Solar systems doesn’t work at night directly but the battery bank, which stores energy during day-time can be used during night.
Solar electricity storage technology has not reached its potential yet.
Solar panels are bulky. This is particularly true of the higher-efficiency, traditional silicon crystalline wafer solar modules.