Question

What are the advantages of replacing fossil fuels by alternative sources of energy if yes then explain?

Answer 1

Fossil fuels :

• Fossil fuels are those which are obtained from the remains of dead vegetation (plants and animals). Coal and petroleum are examples of fossil fuels.

How are Fossil fuels formed ?

1. Vegetation, decomposes in the soil.

During this process, more and more get piled up forming many layers. Under certain conditions such as High pressure and temperature, anaerobic respiration, etc. the fuels are formed. Petroleum is formed the same way but under water. These are called as Fossil fuels as the name suggests, fuels are obtained from the fossils.

Advantages and disadvantages :

• Fossil fuels are non renewable resources or exhaustible resources. They are easily exhausted and takes millions of years to form.
• Using these fuels can cause a lot of harm to the environment. Incomplete combustion of fossil fuels can release Carbon monoxide on the atmosphere, which easily binds with the haemoglobin, to form Carboxyhemoglobin which can be fatal.
• Complete combustion releases Carbon dioxide, contributing to global warming.
• Demand in these fuels can increase the cost of the fuels.
• They are easily transportable.
• CNG (Compressed natural gas) causes less harm than other fuels, which are obtained by the refining of petroleum.
• They are readily available and cost effective.
• Many of our day to day products are obtained from these fuels.

Alternative energy resources :

Although fossil fuels are cost effective and readily available, it is better to switch to alternative for the Earth's concern.

1. Tidal energy
2. Solar energy
3. Hydro energy
4. Wind energy etc.

These are the few examples of alternative energy resources. They are inexhaustible, as they are available in nature and environmental friendly. Countries experiencing the sun for the majority part of the year can switch to Solar energy as an alternative fuel energy. This not only helps in decreasing the global warming, but also stops the decline of the fossil fuel's amount available.

These energy resources require a lot of capital to set up, but once done it is advantageous for the long run.