6. Work and Energy

Differentiate between renewable and non-renewable energy sources with examples. Write down advantages and disadvantages of each in reference to their availability and environmental impact.

Energy sources are classified into two broad categories based on their ability to regenerate and their environmental impact: renewable and non-renewable energy sources. 1. Renewable Energy Sources Definition: Renewable energy sources are those that are naturally replenished on a human timescale, meaning they are sustainable and will not deplete over time. They are derived from … Read more

Describe how useful energy may be obtained from natural resources.

Useful energy is obtained from natural resources through various processes. For example: Fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas are burned to produce heat, which is then converted into mechanical energy or electricity. Solar energy is harnessed through solar panels to produce electricity or heat. Wind energy is converted into electricity using wind turbines. … Read more

What is meant by energy conversion and energy conservation?

Energy conversion refers to the process of changing one form of energy into another. For example, in a power plant, chemical energy (from fossil fuels) is converted into electrical energy. Energy conservation refers to the principle that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only converted from one form to another. This principle is embodied in … Read more

What is potential energy? What are its different types? Show that gravitational potential energy is equal to the product of mass ‘m’, gravitational field strength ‘g’, and height ‘h’.

Potential energy is the energy stored in an object due to its position or configuration. The most common types of potential energy are: Gravitational potential energy: Energy due to the height of an object in a gravitational field. Elastic potential energy: Energy stored in stretched or compressed springs or elastic materials. Chemical potential energy: Energy … Read more

Define work and its unit. Describe the conditions for maximum and minimum work.

Work in physics is defined as the product of the force applied to an object and the distance over which the force is applied, in the direction of the force. Mathematically, it can be expressed as: W=F⋅d⋅cos⁡(θ) Where: W is work, F is the force applied, d is the displacement, θ is the angle between the force … Read more

Will we eventually rely entirely on renewable energy sources? Why or why not?

While it is possible that we could shift towards relying entirely on renewable energy sources in the future, this transition will depend on overcoming significant challenges. Renewable energy technologies, such as solar and wind, have become more efficient and cost-effective, but their intermittency (depending on weather and time of day) poses challenges for consistent energy … Read more

How does using renewable energy sources contribute to reducing environmental impact compared to non-renewable sources?

Using renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydroelectric power significantly reduces environmental impact compared to non-renewable sources like coal, oil, and natural gas. Renewable energy sources are cleaner because they do not emit harmful pollutants such as carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides, which contribute to air pollution, global warming, and acid … Read more