Converting Energy

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Converting Energy

1 The Law of Conservation of Energy states that energy can neither be destroyed or created, only transferred or transformed. That being said, each form of energy has the ability to be converted into another form of energy. And since there are several forms of energy, that makes many different conversions achievable. Almost all technological gadgets convert one energy form into a new one. The vast number of devices that can convert energy into other states of energy are termed transducers. A few types of transducers are antennas, Geiger-Müller tubes, microphones and even the human ear.

Many kinds of energy are used to do a wide variety of physical work. Radiant energy such as solar power takes energy from the sun and can transfer it into thermal energy to warm up someone’s body. Or it can convert into electrical energy to power a home. Batteries go from chemical energy into electrical energy that can power up toys, electronics, watches, and even cars. And even potential energy, the energy stored in everything when at rest can be transformed into kinetic energy when those objects are in motion and are using their stored energy.

Fossil Fuels

2 Fossil fuels are created from natural resources, for instance deceased creatures buried underground for millions of years. And because it takes such a long time for fossil fuels to form they are considered non-renewable resources. Types of fossil fuels include petroleum, coal and natural gas. These fuels account for over 90% of the world’s energy utilization and growing. This is a problem for the earth since burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide and other gases into the air; which is contributing to global warming. Plus coal mining can be very hazardous ...

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... prosper from it like others who live in windy areas will.

References

Tillery, B. W., Enger, E. D., & Ross, F. C. (2008). SCI 110: Integrated Science (4th ed). The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

Union of Concerned Scientists. (2009, December 16). How Solar Energy Works. Retrieved from Union of Concerned Scientists website: http://www.ucsusa.org/clean_energy/technology_and_impacts/energy_technologies/how-solar-energy-works.html

Darvill, A. (2010). Energy Resources: Fossil Fuels. Retrieved from http://www.darvill.clara.net/altenerg/fossil.htm

Classroom Energy! American Petroleum Institute. (2010). Energy: The Quick Tour. Retrieved from http://www.classroom-energy.com/energy_101/energy_quick_tour/quicktour_1.html

Scott, B. (2008, April 22). Re: Top 5 Fossil Fuel Alternatives. Retrieved from http://helloworldbea.wordpress.com/2008/04/22/top-5-fossil-fuel-alternatives/

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