The fundamental laws of physics state that energy cannot be created or destroyed. It can only change its form.
We digest food which creates potential energy for our bodies, which changes into kinetic energy as we rub our hands together on a cold day and the kinetic energy is converted into heat energy. So energy does indeed change its form, and there are many kinds of energy such as solar energy.
Solar energy is often referred to as ‘alternative energy’ in that it is another form of energy which can provide for the energy demands of modern society without using fossil fuels.
Solar energy originates in the sun which in reality is a nuclear fusion machine producing both heat and light, which themselves are two interchangeable forms of energy. The nuclear fusion reaction within the sun releases heat which radiates to the surface of the sun
By the time this heat reaches the sun’s surface some has been converted to light. Both of these energies are felt on planet Earth as the light we call sunlight, and the heat we feel on a warm sunny day.
The Use of Solar Heat Energy.
Typically solar energy can be used to heat water. A rectangular boxlike device known as a solar panel which has a thermally conductive surface is positioned to receive the maximum amount of heat from the sun.
The heat of the sun is transferred to pipes which are within the solar panel, and the water which passes through the pipes is heated. This hot water can be pumped to outlets for domestic use.
There are passive solar designs available which utilize heat energy collected at house widows or skylights to heat the home in colder periods.
The Use of Solar Light Energy.
Light energy from the sun received in the form of photons can be changed into electrical energy. It can be used for most domestic purposes like powering fridges, TV’s, computers immediately, or it can be stored in batteries.
The panels used for electricity production differ from the water type of heating solar panels in that they use photovoltaic cells and not tubes.
An example of using light energy from the sun would be powering a washing machine, when several types of energy change are involved.
- Solar light energy strikes the panel containing the photovoltaic cells.
- The light energy is converted into electrical energy.
- The electrical energy is transferred by wiring to the motor of the washing machine.
- The motor operates turning the electrical energy into mechanical energy, and powers the wash tub or spin dryer as required. So the washing has been done at very little cost.
Solar energy is friendly to the environment, and once the initial installation costs have been paid can prove to be a cost saving on fuel bills in the long term.
Tags: Electrical, Energy, Heat Energy, Kinetic, Light Energy, Mechanical, Nuclear Fusion, Potential, Solar Energy, Sun, Use of Heat Light/ Solar Energy Photovoltaic Cells.