Analyzing Different Types of Energy

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Analyzing Different Types of Energy

In order for work to be done by machines or human beings, they need to

possess energy. It is measured in the same units as work, namely joule

(I) with practical values often being expressed in kilojoule (kJ),

megajoule or gigajoule (GJ). Energy, like work, does not possess

direction and is as quantity. It can take several forms and may be

converted from one form to another.

Kinetic energy

This is the energy that a body possesses because of its motion. The

greater speed at which it is moving the greater its kinetic energy.

The energy in if case is equal to the work done by the body in coming

to rest. A hammer possesses kinetic energy as it strikes a nail and

this energy enables it to do work driving the nail into a piece of

wood. Linear and angular motion both give rise to kinetic energy.

Potential energy

This is the energy that a body possesses because of its position in a

particular type of field: gravitational, electric, magnetic or

nuclear. Gravitational potential energy for example equals the amount

of work that the body can as it falls towards the Earth under the pull

of gravity. Potential energy, like kinetic, can be used to do useful

work. In a hydroelectric generating static for instance, water falls

from a higher level to a lower one and does work the turbines.

Strain energy

When a force is applied to a structure and causes it to distort, the

point of application of the force is changed and work is done. This

can be stored ii structure as strain energy or resilience (see section

8.11). If the force is removed this energy may be recovered and

converted to other ...

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...ways. One system uses the relative movements of floating rafts

to convert the wave energy. Very large amounts of energy are

theoretically available, particularly in the winter when the

requirement is greatest.

Geothermal energy

We know that very high temperatures exist within the Earth and in some

places heat in practical quantities is available at the surface. Hot

springs have been used at least since Roman times. There are

installations in several countries, which use geothermal energy to

generate electricity.

Wind energy

Wind power has been harnessed for many centuries and is now seriously

considered for the generation of electricity. We can make a rough

estimate of the power available from a windmill by considering the

kinetic energy of the air approaching the circle swept out by the

blades.

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