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Most of the energy on Earth comes originally from the Sun. How is energy
created? Nuclear fusion in the Sun's core converts hydrogen into helium
and other substances. During the fusion process matter is converted to
energy in the form of heat and light.
Energy and matter have multiple forms and can be changed from one form
to another. When you turn on a light, you are converting electrical energy
into heat and light energy.
This electrical energy comes from a power plant where it was converted
from other sources such as water, oil and gas, nuclear, solar or wind
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Hydro-electric energy is created by harnessing the power of water. Energy
comes in two forms: potential energy and kinetic energy. Potential energy
is store inside something such as oil, gas or other fuels. Anything high
above the ground also has potential energy since gravity will cause it
to fall. Kinetic energy is within something that is moving.
This conversion of energy is at the heart of all sources of energy, including
hydro-electric power. |
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In hydro-electric energy, electricity is created from the potential energy
stored in water by dams or similar structures. These dams hold back water
creating a significant height difference, creating potential energy as
a result of gravity. Hydro-electric energy also takes advantage of the
kinetic, or motion energy of water as it drops from the top of a dam to
the bottom, traveling through large turbines. |
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Over 80 percent of the world's energy comes from burning fuels such as
oil, natural gas and coal. These fossil fuels were formed millions of
years ago from the remains of plants and animals. These fuels are burned
to create heat and electricity.
Since it took millions of years to create these fossil fuels, we are
using them faster than they are being created. These fuels will eventually
be used up and gone. This has led many people and companies to start developing
more renewable forms of energy.
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Nuclear power already generates close to 20 percent of the worlds energy.
Nuclear power creates energy in a way similar to how the Sun creates energy.
Nuclear power plants use a process called "nuclear fission"
in which uranium atoms are slit, giving off protons, neutrons and tiny
particles of energy. This energy is captured and used to generate electricity.
One major concern about nuclear energy is the radioactive waste that
is created in the process. This waste is harmful to people and must be
carefully dispose disposed of for safety reasons. Scientists are still
trying to develop the ability to create energy using a nuclear fusion
process as used by the Sun. Nuclear fusion should generate less radioactive
waste. |
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Scientists are constantly trying to develop other renewable forms of
energy such as solar energy. Solar energy uses solar panels to capture
energy from the Sun's rays and convert it into electricity.
Solar energy generates only a very small part of the energy we consume. |
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Wind generators are another form of renewable energy. Wind generators
use large turbines that look like the propeller of an airplane.
Strong winds blowing over the blades causes them to rotate creating energy
which is converted into electricity. |
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