Overview - Energy | Physics for JAMB PDF Download

Sources of Energy

Energy can be derived from various sources, both renewable and non-renewable. Some common sources of energy include:

• Fossil Fuels: These are non-renewable energy sources formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals. Examples include coal, crude oil, and natural gas.
• Renewable Energy: These energy sources can be replenished naturally and sustainably. Examples include solar energy, wind energy, hydropower, geothermal energy, and biomass.

Renewable and Non-renewable Energy

Renewable energy sources can be continuously replenished, while non-renewable sources are finite and deplete over time. Examples of non-renewable energy sources are coal, crude oil, and natural gas. These sources release greenhouse gases when burned, contributing to climate change. In contrast, renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power generate electricity without harmful emissions and are more sustainable.

Uses of Energy

Energy has numerous applications in various sectors, including:

• Residential: Energy is used for heating, cooling, lighting, and powering appliances in homes.
• Industrial: Energy powers manufacturing processes, machinery, and equipment in industries.
• Transportation: Energy is used in vehicles, such as cars, trains, ships, and airplanes, to facilitate movement.
• Commercial: Energy is utilized in commercial buildings for lighting, heating, cooling, and running electronic devices.

Energy and Development

Energy plays a crucial role in economic and social development. Adequate and reliable energy supply is essential for industrial growth, infrastructure development, improved healthcare, education, and overall quality of life.

Energy Diversification

Energy diversification refers to the process of using a mix of different energy sources to meet energy demands. Diversification helps reduce dependency on a single source and promotes a more sustainable and resilient energy system.

Environmental Impact of Energy

Energy production and consumption have significant environmental impacts, including:

• Global Warming: Burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, contributing to the greenhouse effect and global warming.
• Greenhouse Effect: Increased concentrations of greenhouse gases trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, causing the planet's temperature to rise.
• Spillage: Accidental spills of oil and other hazardous materials during energy extraction, transportation, and storage can harm ecosystems and contaminate water bodies.

Energy Crises

Energy crises occur when there is a shortage or disruption in the availability of energy resources, leading to economic instability, power outages, and societal challenges. These crises highlight the importance of diversifying energy sources and improving energy efficiency.

Conversion of Energy

Energy can be converted from one form to another. Some examples include:

• Electrical Energy to Mechanical Energy: Electric motors convert electrical energy into mechanical energy used in various devices and appliances.
• Chemical Energy to Thermal Energy: Combustion reactions in power plants convert the chemical energy stored in fossil fuels into thermal energy used to generate electricity.
• Solar Energy to Electrical Energy: Solar panels convert sunlight into electrical energy through the photovoltaic effect.

Devices Used in Energy Production

Various devices are employed in energy production. Examples include:

• Turbines: Used in power plants to convert kinetic energy from water, steam, or wind into mechanical energy that drives generators to produce electricity.
• Solar Collectors: Devices that absorb and convert solar radiation into heat energy for water heating or space heating purposes.
• Wind Turbines: Convert wind energy into mechanical energy, which is then used to generate electricity.

1. Dams and Energy Production:
Dams are structures built across rivers to create reservoirs, which store water. The water's potential energy is then converted into kinetic energy by allowing it to flow through turbines. The spinning turbines drive generators that produce electricity. In Nigeria, notable dams include:

• Kainji Dam (located on the Niger River in Niger State)
• Jebba Dam (located on the Niger River in Niger State)
• Shiroro Dam (located on the Kaduna River in Niger State)

2. Nuclear Energy: 
Nuclear energy is produced through the process of nuclear fission, where the nucleus of an atom is split, releasing a large amount of energy. This energy is harnessed to generate electricity in nuclear power plants. Nuclear energy provides a significant amount of electricity globally, but it raises concerns regarding safety, waste disposal, and potential environmental hazards.

3. Solar Energy:
Solar energy is obtained from the Sun's radiation and can be converted into electricity using solar panels. Solar collectors, such as solar water heaters, absorb solar radiation to heat water directly for various domestic and industrial purposes. Solar energy is clean, renewable, and abundant, making it an increasingly popular source of power.