- Info
What is Energy?
Description of the different types of energy. Highlighting for the purpose of this website are the different types of energy as they relate to electrical generation.
When talking about electricity generation, we are mostly talking about the ability to transfer one type of energy in to another. Traditionally, energy generation in Alaska has focused on taking chemical energy in the form of natural gas, coal, diesal, and oil and turning it in to electrical energy. As we move to expand our electricity generation options, we hope to use different forms of energy- motion energy (as wind), gravitational energy (as hydropower), thermal energy (as geothermal), and radiant energy (as solar). To further understand how this works please refer to the chart below showing the difference in types of kinetic and potential energy.
KINETIC ENERGY
Kinetic energy is motion––of waves, electrons,
atoms, molecules, substances, and objects. |
POTENTIAL
ENERGY
Potential energy is stored energy and the energy
of position––gravitational energy. There are several forms of potential
energy. |
Electrical
Energy is the movement of electrical charges.
Everything is made of tiny particles called atoms. Atoms are made of
even smaller particles called electrons, protons, and neutrons. Applying
a force can make some of the electrons move. Electrical charges moving
through a wire is called electricity. Lightning is another example of
electrical energy.
Radiant
Energy is electromagnetic energy that travels in transverse
waves. Radiant energy includes visible light, x-rays, gamma rays and
radio waves. Light is one type of radiant energy. Solar energy is an
example of radiant energy.
Thermal
Energy, or heat, is the internal energy in substances––the
vibration and movement of the atoms and molecules within substances.
Geothermal energy is an example of thermal energy.
Motion
Energy is the movement of objects and substances from one
place to another. Objects and substances move when a force is applied
according to Newton’s Laws of Motion. Wind is an example of motion energy.
Sound is the movement of energy
through substances in longitudinal (compression/rarefaction) waves.
Sound is produced when a force causes an object or substance to vibrate––the
energy is transferred through the substance in a wave.
|
Chemical
Energy is
energy stored in the bonds of atoms and molecules. It is the energy
that holds these particles together. Biomass, petroleum, natural gas,
and propane are examples of stored chemical energy.
Stored
Mechanical Energy is energy stored in objects by the application
of a force. Compressed springs and stretched rubber bands are examples
of stored mechanical energy.
Nuclear
Energy is energy stored in the
nucleus of an atom––the energy that holds the nucleus together. The
energy can be released when the nuclei are combined or split apart.
Nuclear power plants split the nuclei of uranium atoms in a process
called fission.
The sun combines the nuclei of hydrogen atoms in a process called fusion. Scientists are working on creating fusion energy on earth, so that someday there might be fusion power plants.
Gravitational
Energy is the energy of position or place. A rock resting
at the top of a hill contains gravitational potential energy. Hydropower,
such as water in a reservoir behind a dam, is an example of gravitational
potential energy.
|
Note: Chart taken from the Energy Information Association. To learn more visit their Website.
