Energy Sources

Solving specific energy and energy density problems
Sketching and interpreting Sankey diagrams
Describing the basic features of fossil fuel power stations, nuclear power stations, wind generators, pumped storage hydroelectric systems and solar power cells
Solving problems relevant to energy transformations in the context of these generating systems
Discussing safety issues and risks associated with the production of nuclear power
Describing the differences between photovoltaic cells and solar heating panels

Primary energy is energy found in nature that has not yet been subject to processing of any kind
We may classify energy sources into two large classes, non-renewable and renewable.

Two types of energy are kinetic and potential.
A non-renewable energy resource (sometimes called a finite resource) is one that is consumed faster than it is replenished. This means that it will eventually run out.
A renewable energy resource remains undiminished or is replaced through natural processes in the environment in relevant human time-frames.

Thermal Power plant

Tennessee Valley Authority, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Sources of energy: burning fossil such as coal
Burning coal releases heat that turns water into steam
Pressurized steam forces the turbine to run
The turbine makes the coils of a generator rotate in a magnetic field, creating electricity by electromagnetic induction
Cold water (usually from a nearby river) condenses the steam into liquid water that can again be heated in the boilers