LEEVENSPARK

T hermal energy is generated and measured by heat of any kind is due to the increased activity or the speed of molecules in a substance, which in turn causes temperature causes rise accordingly. There are many natural sources of thermal energy on the earth, making it an important component of alternative energies. To explain the laws of thermodynamics, that energy can be exchanged to another in the form of heat from a physical object. For example, putting fire under a pot with water, the water is heating up as a result of the increased molecular motion. In this way, the heat or thermal energy, the fire is partially transferred to the water. Understanding the principles of thermodynamics has allowed people to use to create the natural sources of heat, thermal energy from a variety of sources. The sun, ocean and geothermal sources such as geysers and volcanoes, all sources of thermal energy. As an exhausted people, sustainable forms of alternative energy instead of fossil resources, such

During energy transformations, energy can neither be created nor destroyed. However energy can be degraded, that is there is less useful energy after the change than there was before. This is because some of the original energy has been changed into heat or sound and lost to the surroundings. General and credit level equations Useful equations for energy calculations in power stations include: gravitational potential: Ep = mgh kinetic energy: Ek ½mv 2  (credit level only) electrical power: P=IV also, for all forms of energy: E=Pt Calculating efficiency (credit level only) The percentage of total energy output compared to the total input energy is its energy efficiency

In a hydroelectric power station water is stored behind a dam in a reservoir. This water has gravitational potential energy. the water runs down pipes (potential to kinetic energy) to turn the turbine the turbine is connected to a generator to produce electricity (kinetic to electrical energy) At  pumped storage hydroelectric stations  water is pumped back into the reservoir when there are periods of low power demand. This is often when there is excess energy being produced by other power stations. This stores energy and during higher demand periods the water can be allowed to flow back down to produce electricity just like a normal power station. Such a system saves energy and also can be turned on quickly at times of peak demand.

The main nuclear fuels are  uranium  and  plutonium . In a nuclear power station nuclear fuel undergoes a controlled chain reaction in the reactor to produce heat - nuclear to heat energy. heat is used to change water into steam in the boiler. the steam drives the turbine (heat to kinetic energy) this drives the generator to produce electricity - kinetic to electrical energy. Advantages Unlike fossil fuels, nuclear fuels do not produce carbon dioxide or sulphur dioxide. 1 kg of nuclear fuel produces millions of times more energy than 1 kg of coal. Disadvantages like fossil fuels, nuclear fuels are  non-renewable energy resources if there is an accident, large amounts of radioactive material could be released into the environment. Although modern reactor designs are extremely safe. Nuclear waste remains radioactive and is hazardous to health for thousands of years. It must be stored safely. This waste material can  never  be used to make a 'nuclear bomb' which is sometim