Energy as Essential for the Performance of Work - Essay Example

Fossil fuels are an example of non-renewable sources of energy. Energy can be changed from one form to another. This is upheld by the first law of thermodynamics which puts forward the fact that “energy cannot be created nor destroyed, only converted from one form to another.” Different examples can be used to support this statement. Natural gas which is a form of energy is changed into heat and light upon burning. The burning of coal can be used for the production of light and heat. Visible light from the Sun can be changed into heat and electrical energy.

The energy from wind can also be changed into electrical energy. These examples uphold the fact that energy conversion from one form to another takes place (Chrias 2006; Miller et al 2008). Fossil fuels are energy sources that are recovered from beneath the ground. They are hydrocarbons which are also referred to as mineral fuels. Coal, oil, and natural gas are fossil fuels. These fossil fuels are formed by the decomposition of plants and animals which become buried inside the earth.

This process has been estimated to take millions of years. The decomposed material is exposed to the heat and pressure from the earth’s crust owing to which it undergoes many changes and eventually results in the formation of fossil fuels. Fossil fuels have become an essential source of energy in today’s world. They can be used as fuels for driving machinery. These benefits serve to provide for the attractions of fossil fuels (Miller et al 2008; Science Daily). Different alternatives to fossil fuels have been searched for because the reserves of fossil fuels are starting to deplete.

Nuclear power is an alternative source of energy. It can be used for the generation of heat, and electricity as well as for making weapons. The advantage of nuclear power includes the fact that it can be used for energy generation. It can also assist in preventing the quick depletion of fossil fuels. It proves to be economically beneficial as well because it serves to create competition for other energy producers. This results in providing a lower energy buying cost for consumers.

Nuclear energy does not result in the release of greenhouse gases and thus it does not contribute to global warming as do fossil fuels. But this form of energy has its disadvantages. The expenses required for the building of nuclear power plants are very high and therefore, it is an expensive form of energy. Nuclear energy can be used for building nuclear weapons which can prove to be very harmful to human beings. The waste of nuclear power plants is toxic and radioactive and there are no proper sites for disposing of this harmful material.

Furthermore, accidents in nuclear power plants can prove to be very harmful as they can create much havoc and destruction (In Foreman et al 1970; Miller et al 2011). Wind energy is another alternative source of energy to fossil fuels. Wind energy can be used for the generation of electricity. 

Wind turbines are built which utilize the wind and convert this energy into electrical energy. It is a non-exhaustible form of energy. There are many benefits of wind power. It serves to prevent the using up of fossil fuels. It provides electricity at a much lower cost and it does not provide for any emissions therefore, it does not contribute to global warming. The cost of building wind turbines is not very high as well. Wind energy has its disadvantages as well. Wind energy cannot provide high amounts of energy. Wind turbines cannot be built in areas that are not very windy and therefore, this form of energy cannot be used by all countries. It can result in noise pollution as well (Miller et al 2011).

            Energy is essential for the performance of work. The industrial sector requires energy for its running and all forms of machinery require energy for working. Energy can be changed from one form to another. Fossil fuels are sources of energy. Coal, oil, and natural gas are fossil fuels. They are used for the production of energy. Alternates to fossil fuels have been found because their reserves are depleting. Wind energy and nuclear power are examples of alternate sources of energy.