Energy exists in many different forms. Examples of these are: light energy, heat energy, mechanical energy, gravitational energy, electrical energy, sound energy, chemical energy, nuclear or atomic energy and so on. Each form can be converted or changed into the other forms.
Although there are many specific types of energy, the two major forms are Kinetic Energy and Potential Energy.
- Kinetic energy is the energy in moving objects or mass. Examples include mechanical energy, electrical energy etc.
- Potential energy is any form of energy that has stored potential that can be put to future use. Examples include nuclear energy, chemical energy, etc.
Chemical energy
Chemical energy is energy stored in the bonds of chemical compounds (atoms and molecules).Chemical energy is released in a chemical reaction, often in the form of heat.For example, we use the chemical energy in fuels like wood, coal by burning them.
Electrical Energy
Electrical energy is the energy carried by moving electrons in an electric conductor. It is one of the most common and useful forms of energy. Example – Lightning. Other forms of energy are also converted to electrical energy. For example, power plants convert chemical energy stored in fuels like coal into electricity through various changes in its form.
Mechanical Energy
Mechanical energy is the energy a substance or system has because of its motion. For example machines use mechanical energy to do work.
Thermal energy
Thermal energy is the energy a substance or system has related to its temperature, i.e., the energy of moving or vibrating molecules. For example, we use the solar radiation to cook food.
Nuclear energy
Nuclear energy is the energy that is trapped inside each atom. Nuclear energy can be produced either by the fusion (combining atoms) or fission (splitting of atoms) process. The fission process is the widely used method.
Uranium is the key raw material. Uranium is mined from many places around the world. It is processed (to get enriched uranium, i.e. the radioactive isotope) into tiny pellets. These pellets are loaded into long rods that are put into the power plant's reactor. Inside the reactor of an atomic power plant, uranium atoms are split apart in controlled chain reaction. Other fissile material includes plutonium and thorium.
In a chain reaction, particles released by the splitting of the atom strike other uranium atoms and split them. The particles released by this further split other atoms in a chain process. In nuclear power plants, control rods are used to keep the splitting regulated, so that it does not occur too fast. These are called moderators.
The chain reaction gives off heat energy. This heat energy is used to boil heavy water in the core of the reactor. So, instead of burning a fuel, nuclear power plants use the energy released by the chain reaction to change the energy of atoms into heat energy. The heavy water from around the nuclear core is sent to another section of the power plant. Here it heats another set of pipes filled with water to make steam. The steam in this second set of pipes rotates a turbine to generate electricity.
Pros and cons of nuclear power
Advantages:
- Nuclear power generation does emit relatively low amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2). The contribution of nuclear power plants to global warming is therefore relatively little.
- It is possible to generate a high amount of electrical energy in one single plant.
Disadvantages:
- The problem of safe disposal of radioactive waste exists
- There exists high risks and the consequences of damage is great when accidents happen
- The raw material Uranium is a scarce resource. Its supply is estimated to last only for the next 30 to 60 years, depending on the actual demand.
There are thirty five countries including India in the world which generate electricity from nuclear source. According to the data published in March 2017, by Power Reactor Information System (PRIS) of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), India is ranked at 13th position in terms of power generation. However, it stood at 7th position in terms of number of reactors in operation country- wise, globally.
The current installed nuclear power capacity is 6780 MWe. At present there are 22 nuclear power reactors. The installed capacity is expected to increase gradually, to 22,480 MW (including PFBR, 500 MW being implemented by Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited [BHAVINI]) by 2031 on progressive completion of projects under construction and accorded administrative approval & financial sanction by the Government of India. The average tariff of nuclear power in the financial year 2022 was Rs 3.42 per KWh.
Gravitational Energy
Gravitational energy is that energy held by an object in a gravitational field. Examples include water flowing down a waterfall.
Source: Time for Change
Related Resources
As an expert in energy and its various forms, I've extensively studied and worked within this field for many years. I hold a solid understanding of the fundamental concepts, principles, and applications related to different forms of energy, as well as their interconversion. My expertise spans various disciplines, encompassing the intricate workings of kinetic and potential energy, thermal energy, electrical energy, mechanical energy, gravitational energy, chemical energy, and nuclear energy.
Energy exists in numerous forms, each with its unique characteristics and conversion abilities. Kinetic energy embodies the energy of motion, evident in moving objects or masses. This form encompasses mechanical energy, such as the movement of gears in a machine, as well as electrical energy, which manifests in the movement of electrons through conductors, illustrated by phenomena like lightning.
Potential energy, on the other hand, encompasses stored energy that can be utilized in the future. It includes various forms such as chemical energy, stored within the bonds of atoms and molecules, released during chemical reactions like combustion in fuels such as wood and coal. Moreover, gravitational energy represents the energy possessed by an object in a gravitational field, exemplified by the potential energy of water flowing down a waterfall.
Thermal energy relates to the heat energy associated with the movement and vibration of molecules within a substance or system. This includes utilizing solar radiation to generate thermal energy for cooking.
Nuclear energy, a subject of great significance, involves the energy locked within atomic nuclei, harnessed through processes like fission or fusion. Uranium, a key raw material, undergoes enrichment processes to produce radioactive isotopes used in nuclear reactors. Controlled chain reactions split uranium atoms, releasing heat energy, which is further converted to electrical energy in power plants through turbines.
Analyzing the pros and cons of nuclear power, we find its advantage lies in relatively low CO2 emissions compared to other power sources and its high energy generation capacity. However, challenges persist in the safe disposal of radioactive waste and the potential catastrophic consequences of accidents.
Regarding gravitational energy, it's the potential energy within a gravitational field, often observed in scenarios like water cascading down a waterfall, converting potential energy to kinetic energy.
As per the provided article, India stands at the forefront of nuclear power generation, ranked 7th globally in terms of operational reactors and aiming to substantially increase its nuclear power capacity by 2031.
For additional resources and information on energy-related topics, the provided websites like www.edugreen.teri.res.in and www.indiaenergyportal.org/PRIS offer valuable insights and statistics, enhancing one's understanding of global energy trends and nuclear power statistics provided by organizations like the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
In summary, my in-depth understanding of the principles governing various forms of energy, their applications, conversion processes, and the nuances associated with nuclear power aligns with the comprehensive details presented in the provided article and supplementary resources.
