In Physics, Energy Is Defined As The Ability To Do Wo 229350
In Physics Energy Is Defined As The Ability To Do Work When Most Peo
In physics, energy is defined as the ability to do work. When most people think of energy, they think of electricity. The energy that is used to produce electricity is derived from a number of resources. Much of the energy used today is obtained from fossil fuels. However, these resources are limited. As a result, alternative and renewable resources are being explored for production of electricity. Using the readings for this module, the Argosy University online library resources, and the Internet, respond to the following: Discuss the scientific and technical concepts related to the uses of fossil fuels and renewable energy resources. Consider how fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas are utilized for production of electricity. Consider how alternative and renewable resources such as wind turbines, hydroelectric power, wave power, and geothermal energy are utilized to either produce electrical energy or provide an alternative to electricity consumption. Explain the advantages and disadvantages related to both fossil fuels and renewable energy resources such as wind power, hydroelectricity, geothermal energy, and biomass. Consider issues such as availability of the resource, sustainability of the technology, and environmental impact. Provide 2–3 examples of the uses of both types of energy resources that are utilized in your community. Support your statements with examples. Provide a minimum of three scholarly references. Write your initial response in 2–3 paragraphs. Apply APA standards to citation of sources.
Paper For Above instruction
Energy in physics is fundamentally defined as the capacity to perform work, a concept that underpins the utilization of various sources for energy production, especially electricity. In contemporary society, the predominant reliance on fossil fuels—namely coal, oil, and natural gas—raises significant scientific, technical, and environmental considerations. Fossil fuels are burned to generate thermal energy, which then drives turbines to produce electrical energy. This process is technically straightforward and highly efficient, which explains its widespread use. However, fossil fuel consumption is associated with notable drawbacks, including finite availability and major environmental impacts such as air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and ecological degradation. The extraction and burning of these resources contribute significantly to climate change, demanding urgent transition strategies toward renewable alternatives.
Renewable energy resources, including wind turbines, hydroelectric power, wave energy, geothermal energy, and biomass, provide promising substitutes with the potential for sustainability and reduced environmental impacts. Wind power harnesses kinetic energy from moving air to spin turbines that generate electricity, a process that requires suitable wind conditions but offers clean, emission-free energy. Hydroelectric power utilizes the gravitational potential energy of stored water to turn turbines, with large-scale projects in many communities providing substantial renewable electricity. Wave power and geothermal energy further diversify the renewable portfolio, with wave energy capturing the motion of sea waves and geothermal energy exploiting Earth's internal heat for electricity generation. These renewable sources generally have lower environmental footprints; however, they also face challenges such as resource intermittency, high initial investments, and ecological impacts from infrastructure development.
In my community, fossil fuels are used predominantly for electricity generation via coal-fired plants, which supply the majority of local power. Additionally, natural gas is employed in some regions for its cleaner-burning properties compared to coal. On the renewable side, wind turbines are installed along the coast, providing a sustainable energy source; hydroelectric dams harness local river flow; and geothermal energy is utilized in areas with accessible geothermal hot spots. These examples illustrate a community transitioning toward diversified energy sources, balancing the benefits of fossil fuels’ reliability with the environmental advantages of renewable options. Considering the availability, sustainability, and environmental impact, this dual approach can foster a more resilient and eco-friendly energy future.
References
- Boyle, G. (2012). Renewable Energy: Power for a Sustainable Future. Oxford University Press.
- Chapman, S., & Mukherjee, D. (2019). Environmental Impacts of Fossil Fuels. Journal of Energy Resources.
- Jacobson, M. Z., & Delucchi, M. A. (2011). Providing All Global Energy with Wind, Water, and Solar Power, Part I: Technologies, Energy Resources, Quantities and Areas of Infrastructure, and Materials. Energy Policy, 39(3), 1154–1169.
- U.S. Energy Information Administration. (2020). Renewable Energy Explained. Retrieved from https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/renewable-sources/
- Rogers, T. (2018). Environmental Challenges and Opportunities in Renewable Energy. Environmental Science & Technology, 52(8), 4718–4724.