Question

Discuss in detail the mechanisms for the different types of energy generation covered in this course (fossil fuel, nuclear, solar and wind). "Mechanism" means how they work. For example, in nuclear power, what fuel is used, what triggers the reactions, what happens to energy released, etc.

Answer 1

1. Carbon is main source of fossil fuel. It burns coal or oil which generate heat to create steam from water and which is further used to move turbine and electricity. Carbon is responsible for green house effect.

2. Nuclear energy is produced from nuclear reaction such as nuclear fission and nuclear fusion. In nuclear fission heavy nuclei such as uranium breaks into two fragments and some mass is converted into heat energy which can be used in nuclear power plant to produce electricity. Nuclear reactor works on this principle.

3. Solar energy is produces from nuclear fusion reaction. Light unstable nuclei form stable nuclei and release energy. Hydrogen and Helium is main fuel for solar energy. Semiconductor cells are used to convert solar energy into electricity.

4. Wind energy does mechanical work by rotating bled of wind mill which further converted into electricity. Wind is fuel for wind energy.

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