Energy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Energy - Essay Example Fossil fuels are an example of nom-renewable sources of energy. Energy can be changed from one form to another. This is upheld by the first law of thermodynamics which puts forward the fact that â€Å"energy cannot be created nor destroyed, only converted from one form to another.† Different examples can be used to support this statement. Natural gas which is a form of energy is changed into heat and light upon burning. The burning of coal can be used for the production of light and heat. Visible light from the Sun can be changed into heat and electrical energy. The energy from wind can also be changed into electrical energy. These examples uphold the fact that energy conversion from one form to another takes place (Chrias 2006; Miller et al 2008). Fossil fuels are energy sources which are recovered from beneath the ground. They are basically hydrocarbons which are also referred to as mineral fuels. Coal, oil and natural gas are fossil fuels. These fossil fuels are formed by t he decomposition of plants and animals which become buried inside the earth. This process has been estimated to take around millions of years. The decomposed material is exposed to the heat and the pressure from the earth’s crust owing to which it undergoes many changes and eventually results in the formation of fossil fuels. Fossil fuels have become an essential source of energy in today’s world. ... They can be used as fuels for driving machineries. These benefits serve to provide for the attractions of fossil fuels (Miller et al 2008; Science Daily). Different alternatives to fossil fuels have been searched upon owing to the fact that the reserves of fossil fuels are starting to deplete. Nuclear power is an alternative source of energy. It can be used for the generation of heat, electricity as well as for making weapons. The advantage of nuclear power includes the fact that it can used for energy generation. It can also assist in preventing the quick depletion of the fossil fuels. It proves to be economically beneficial as well owing to the fact that it serves to create competition for other energy producers. This results in providing for a lower energy buying cost for consumers. Nuclear energy does not result in the release of greenhouse gases and thus it does not contribute to global warming as do fossil fuels. But this form of energy has its own disadvantages. The expenses r equired for the building of nuclear power plants are very high and therefore, it is an expensive form of energy. Nuclear energy can be used for building nuclear weapons which can prove to be very harmful for human beings. The waste of nuclear power plants is toxic and radioactive and there are no proper sites for disposing this harmful material. Furthermore, accidents in nuclear power plants can prove to be very harmful as they can create much havoc and destruction (In Foreman et al 1970; Miller et al 2011). Wind energy is another alternate source of energy to fossil fuels. Wind energy can be used for the generation of electricity. Wind turbines are built which utilize