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SOL 6.2 Energy Sources
    The student will investigate and understand basic sources of energy, their origins, transformations, and uses. Key concepts include
  1. potential and kinetic energy
  2. the role of the sun in the formation of most energy sources on Earth
  3. nonrenewable energy sources
  4. renewable energy sources
  5. energy transformations
Potential and Kinetic Energy
  • Potential energy is energy that is not "in use" and available to do work.
    • The chemical energy in fossil fuels is potential energy until it is released.
  • Kinetic energy is energy that is "in use" -- the energy a moving object has due to its motion.
    • For example, moving water and wind have kinetic energy.
Nonrenewable Energy Sources
  • Fossil Fuels - Solar energy from the ancient past is stored in fossil fuels, such as coal, petroleum, and natural gas.
    • Fossil fuels are rich in the elements carbon and hydrogen.
    • These sources of energy take very long periods of time to form and once depleted, are essentially nonrenewable.
  • Nuclear power is also a source of nonrenewable energy (uranium is a limited resource).
Renewable Energy sources
  • Many of Earth’s energy resources are available on a perpetual basis.
    • These include solar, wind, water (hydropower, tidal and waves), biofuels and geothermal energy.
  • Some energy sources can be replenished over relatively short periods of time.
    • These include wood and other biomass.
  • All are considered renewable.
  • Secondary sources of energy, such as electricity, are used to store, move, and deliver energy easily in usable form.
    • Hydrogen is also a secondary source of energy, also called an energy carrier (hydrogen is not an energy source, but a means of storing and transporting energy.)
Energy Transformations
  • Thermal and radiant energy can be converted into mechanical energy, chemical energy, and electrical energy and back again.
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