Every day, we use the energy. But how do scientists demonstrate the word ‘energy’? The word energy directly comes from the Greek Word Energeia, which Aristotle introduced in the 4th century, but no one focused on this word. In 1800 the famous scientist Thomas Young introduced the word energy to the field of physics.
Over the past 200 years, how we have got our energy has changed drastically. This revolution was made because of innovations like steam engines, wild-scale electricity use, lamps, etc. Before the Industrial Revolution, people used wood and dried manure to heat their homes and cook their food, and grain was ground using muscle power, windmills, and water mills. Carts drawn by horses or other animals helped with transportation. Prices of firewood and charcoal increased due to scarcity throughout the 16th and 17th centuries. Greater demand from people and industries drove the evolution and sophistication of economies.
What Is Energy?
In simple words, “Energy is the ability to do work”. Energy in our universe exists in many forms: heat, kinetic, mechanical, light, potential, electrical, etc. The International System of Units (SI) utilizes joules to measure energy. A joule is nothing but the amount of work done by a one-newton force acting over a one-metre distance. The concept of energy is commonly used in various scientific fields, such as physics (Classical mechanics, Quantum mechanics), chemistry, biology, earth science, cosmology, etc. These thighs play an essential role. Among these, there are two main types of energy :
- Potential energy
- Kinetic energy
Why Is Energy the Primary Source of Life?
Energy is the essence of life. Why is it the source of all life? It is because we require energy to perform daily tasks, such as getting out of bed, walking, driving any car, etc. Every human consumes approximately 2,500 kilocalories of energy every day as food. All humans require energy to survive. No industrial, agricultural, medical, residential, or other process does not necessitate some form of external energy. It is also necessary for optimal health.
Energy Cannot Be Created or Destroyed
Physics studies how matter and energy interact with each other over time and space. In physics, there are two important laws: thermodynamics and conservation. According to the law of thermodynamics or the law of conservation, energy cannot be generated or destroyed. Now, the important question arises here: Where does energy come from if it cannot be created? The amount of energy/matter in the universe is constant and results from the mysterious Big Bang. Energy can be transformed from one state to another. For example, food contains chemical energy, which the body stores until it is used as kinetic energy during activity or play.
The Energy Crisis Has Arrived
Our energy choices and decisions impact Earth’s natural systems in ways we may not notice. Thus, we must carefully select our energy sources. The supply of energy is far less than its demands and can affect the whole of humankind to run towards the development or daily purpose. This crisis is called the energy crisis. There are various effects of the global energy crisis, such as environmental effects, increasing price of fuel resources, political disturbances, and the impact on the tourism industry.
How Can The Energy Crisis Be Solved?
Many possible solutions are already in place to solve the energy crisis. The ideal option is to reduce the world’s dependence on nonrenewable resources while improving overall conservation efforts.
- Replace traditional bulbs with CFLs and LEDs.
- Lighting controls, such as preset lighting controls, slide lighting, touch dimmers, and integrated lighting controls, are examples of lighting controls that can help conserve energy and lower total lighting expenses.
- Big corporations can use energy simulation software to redesign the building unit and reduce running business energy costs to reduce carbon footprint.
Future of Energy
Future energy considers all energy sources available because of a future with reduced oil and gas production and a rapidly increasing level of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere.
Some futuristic energies that could be utilized before we reach the year 2050 are:
- Wave energy
- Solar energy
- Geothermal energy
- Biomass energy
- Hydroelectric energy
- Electric energy
- NextGen nuclear power
- Offshore wind
- Space technologies
- Carbon capture and sequestration