Energy Transmits from One Form to the Other - Essay Example

Energy can also transform when nuclear reactions occur.  Through fission or fusion, subatomic particles are rearranged hence creating a transformation of energy. The final factor that facilitates the transmission of energy from one form to another is the action of forces. These forces include gravitational force, frictional force, and electromagnetic force fields (Rathore, 2011).

A common transformation is that of kinetic energy to heat energy. The atoms of a substance are in constant, random motion. As the atoms slide against each other molecules come into contact and, therefore, interact via electromagnetic fields causing vibration. The random vibration of molecules and atoms in a substance results in the increase of pressure within the substance. These vibrations may also increase with an increase in the external or internal temperature of the substance. An increase in the vibration of the substance’s molecules and the subsequent increase in pressure transform potential energy into kinetic energy thereby leading to an increase in the kinetic energy. High kinetic energy is an indication of high temperature, therefore, heat energy (Rathore, 2011).

            Energy is necessary for running people's everyday lives. A common source of energy in the world today is fossil fuel. Fossil fuels are hydrocarbon compounds formed through the biochemical decomposition of organic compounds over millions of years. Examples of fossil fuels include oil, coal, and natural gases such as butane. These fuels are attractive sources of energy because of various reasons. The first reason is that these sources of energy can be utilized differently to produce energy. One can burn them directly or derive other compounds such as petroleum, used to run vehicle engines, in the case of oil. Above efficiency, other products such as plastic are derivatives of fuels such as oil. A single location with fossil fuel can produce large amounts of energy beating the prospecting and mining costs by ten folds. Through pipelines, it is particularly convenient and cost-effective to transport oil and natural gas from one station to the other. Finally, gas-run power plants are extremely efficient, and they can be located anywhere there are abundant gas sources (Pimentel, 2008).

Fossil fuels are nonrenewable and a potent source of pollution through carbon emissions. With the pressing need to curb global warming and its adverse effects, new environmentally friendly energy sources need to replace fossil fuels. Wind energy is a clean, renewable source of energy.  Tapping wind energy requires the construction of turbines. Wind possesses kinetic energy that turns these turbines, through this process, kinetic energy turns into mechanical energy. This energy runs the generator connected to the turbines hence producing electric energy. Locating a wind power station is more tasking than locating a fossil fuel station. However, the energy produced by wind is clean compared to fossil fuel energy. Also, the cost of constructing a wind farm can be offset through the subsequent efficient production of energy (Pimentel, 2008).

Another source of energy scientists seem to approve of in place of fossil fuel energy is solar energy. This form of energy requires the utilization of the photothermal effect.  Solar cells absorb the photons within the sun's rays. The photons transform the solar cell electrons into conduction electrons through heat energy. The electrons become free to carry electric charge (electricity) hence solar electric energy (Rathore, 2011). First, one may need to install a solar panel or panels. As the sun's rays hit the panels, the cell's mirrors and lenses concentrate the rays and convert them into heat energy stored within the panel cells. This heat energy then converts into other forms of energy such as electricity. The most significant advantage of this form of energy, aside from being pollution free, is the fact that one can store solar energy for later use even when the sun is no longer shining. However, installing solar panels is relatively expensive leading people to prefer other sources such as geothermal energy (Pimentel, 2008).