Basic Introduction to Term Energy and Source of Energy

Energy

Definition:  The capacity of an agent to do the work is known as energy.

Basic:

                Energy is the Basic necessity for the Economic development of a country. Many functions necessary to present-day living grind to halt when the supply of energy stops. Energy may be needed as heat, as light, as motive power etc.

            Energy exists in Different forms in nature but the most important form is the Electrical energy. Now a day, the modern society is so much dependent upon the use of electrical energy that it has become a part and parcel of our life. The present day the advancement in science and technology has made it possible to convert electrical energy into any other desired form of energy.

Electrical energy is most superior to all other forms of energy due to some reasons. These important reasons are below.

·        Convenient form

·        Cheapness

·        Cleanliness

·        Greater flexibility

·        Easy control

·        High transmission efficiency

Source of Energy:

Since electrical energy is produced from energy available in various forms in nature, it is desirable to look into the various source of energy. These sources of energy are:

1)    The sun

2)    Wind

3)    Water

4)    Fuels

5)    Nuclear energy.

            Out of these sources, the energy due to the sun and wind has not been utilized on large scale due to a number of limitations. At present, the other three sources viz., water, fuels and nuclear energy are primarily used for the generation of energy (electrical).

Unit of energy:

 The basic unit of energy is Joule.

The different units of different forms of energy are as below;

Ø In Mechanical energy:  Nm =newton-metre.

Ø In Electrical energy:  Ws =watt-second. On a large scale:  Wh and KWh.

Ø In Heat energy:  calorie=4.18 joule and on the various system=British thermal unit (B.Th.U)*, Centigrade heat unit(C.H.U.).**

*1 B.Th.U. = 1053 Joules.

**1 C.H.U. = 1896 Joules.