how Discuss energy can be converted from one form to another, giving a specific example.
According to the Law of Conservation of Energy- A consequence of this law is that energy can
neither be created nor destroyed: it can only be transformed from one state to another. The only
thing that can happen to energy in a closed system is that it can change form: for instance
chemical energy can become kinetic energy. (Wikipedia) Some examples are: Consider a bow
and arrow - the retracted string with the positioned arrow has elastic potential energy, when
released it becomes kinetic energy allowing the arrow to move. A rock at the top of a steep slope
has gravitational potential energy, which under the force of gravity becomes kinetic energy as the
rock beings to roll. Consider heating water, the kinetic energy from the vibrating particles is
released as heat energy.
Define what we mean by fossil fuels and explain why there is an attractive source of energy.
Fossil Fuels contain the stored radiant energy of organisms lived that million of years ago.
(Tillery-Enger-Ross, 2009, pg. 67) Some of the contained energy includes: coal, petroleum, and
natural gas. These types of fossil fuels are a non-renewable source of energy and they are found
in deposits beneath the earth. Energy is essential to modern society because most of our energy
demands are met by the combustion of fossil fuels. Fossil fuels have many hydrocarbons, each
with numerous bonds. When they undergo combustion, they release a great deal of heat. This is
the main reason why natural gas and heating oils are used extensively in the world today.
(umich.edu) They are attractive because they are or were, readily available, can be easily
transported and can be refined to several grades of useable fuels such as gasoline, diesel fuels, jet
fuels, and natural gas for home and commercial use.
Describe two different energy alternatives to fossil fuels in detail. Discuss how they work,
how they compare with fossil fuels, and their relative advantages and disadvantages.