There are two important categorisations of sources of energy. They are:

• Renewable Source of Energy.
• Non-Renewable Source of Energy.

1. Renewable Sources of Energy

A critical source of energy is renewable sources of energy. Renewable energy implies that these forms of energy can be renewed and have no chance of being exhausted shortly. Some advantages of such a source of energy are :

• It is a natural source of energy.
• It has negligible carbon emissions.
• It has no chance of being exhausted soon.
• It is a cost-efficient and budget-friendly source of energy.

Further, the renewable sources of energy are briefly discussed.

Wind energy

Wind energy is a form of renewable energy. Wind turbines efficiently utilise the wind present in the atmosphere to produce energy. Wind moves the wind turbines, generating electricity using kinetic energy. The electricity generated by wind energy is clean, and its production does not cause pollution in any way.

The electricity generated from wind energy is sustainable and cost-effective. It demands only a one-time investment during the establishment of wind turbines.

Solar Energy

It is another basic, essential form of renewable energy. As the name suggests, it is the heat energy received from the sun's rays. Solar energy is classified into two major types. Active solar consists of concentrated solar power, photovoltaic systems, and much more; passive solar consists of natural air circulation, associating buildings with the direction of sunlight and much more.

Solar energy is relatively environment-friendly; it works in almost all weather conditions without generating pollution. At the same time, solar panels are also budget-friendly and have a long lifespan.

Hydropower

Hydropower is the largest and the oldest form of renewable energy. It is one of the most reliable sources of energy. This type of energy is generated by moving water; water flow is not forced and should be natural, for instance, a waterfall. The force at which water drops from a high cliff to a lower-lying water body derives the electricity generated from hydropower. Hydropower, like other renewable sources, is clean and pollution-free.  

The earlier mentioned are the renewable sources of energy.

Now let's move to the other categorisation of energy sources.

2. Non-Renewable Source of Energy

Non-renewable sources are resources that cannot extend, renew, prolong, or regain once exhausted. When using or dealing with such sources, it's imperative to keep in mind that they do not regenerate or replenish. The use of these resources often results in pollution of different kinds. 

However, some advantages of non-renewable sources of energy are:

• They generate vast amounts of energy in less time.
• These resources generate huge profits.
• They are easy to use and readily available.

Below are the non-renewable sources of energy.

Coal

Coal is a form of sedimentary rock with carbon, sulphur, hydrogen, oxygen and much more. Coals play an active role in generating electricity, assisting metal and cement production. There are five major types of coals: peat, graphite, lignite, anthracite, and bituminous coal.

Coal is also regarded as a black diamond because it is rare and expensive to mine. Coals are available in limited quantities and will be exhausted shortly.

Petroleum

Petroleum is a blackish, yellow greasy liquid that is naturally occurring. Petroleum has many uses; it makes ammonia used in fertilisers. Petroleum also has numerous benefits in the fields of detergents, dyes, paints, as well as transport fuel and much more. It also plays an active role in power generation and electricity.

However, the oil drilling process that collects this vital energy product has many adverse environmental impacts. It generates greenhouse gases which are considered significant in exacerbating climate change, and is an expensive business to draw out of the earth. It, too, will finish some day. 

Groundwater

Hydrology, the study of groundwater, explores its uses, limitations, benefits, and such progressive matters. Groundwater is collected from rain and stored in and beneath the terra firma.

Groundwater is considered an essential energy source for agriculture and is very convenient to use. Yet it is non-renewable and is getting exhausted due to overuse. Once depleted, it becomes impossible to replenish and refill the groundwater table for further use.

So, those as mentioned above were the non-renewable sources of energy.

Further, are some important questions with solutions to go through in detail for a better understanding and marks!

Question-1

When given a chance to use a particular energy source for heating food, what would be the right choice and why?

Solution-1

For heating or cooking food, natural gas should be the right choice because of the following reasons:

• Convenient to use.
• Readily and easily available.
• Easy to transport.
• Not overly pollutant.
• They are highly and easily flammable, necessary and appropriate for cooking.

Question-2

How did humans modify the traditional use of wind and water energy according to their convenience?

Solution-2

Wind and water energy harnessing began in the ages of old. Ancient people used these non-renewable sources for mechanical works, using windmills and watermills. 

Recent times have seen that windmills generate electricity. The kinetic energy produced from the moving winds is trapped and later converted into electricity with the help of the rotatory motion of the blades in turbines, which then turns the turbine of the electric generator to produce electricity further.

In the same way, watermills/falls were initially a vital source of potential energy. But in recent times, the number of waterfalls has seen a significant depletion. Today, water dams are constructed and used as a vital source to contain and convert the potential energy of water movement. Here, water from a certain height dropped on the turbines further produces electricity.

Question-3

State the types of energy obtained from oceans. Also, state the limitations of the energy obtained from them?

Solution-3

Numerous forms of energy can be obtained from the ocean.

Some of them are:

• Tidal energy.
• Wave energy.
• Ocean thermal energy.

However, some limitations of the energy obtained from oceans are:

• The earth's position with the sun and the moon significantly impacts tidal energy. Thus, proper positioning is required.
• It is crucial to have high dams, or a generation will be challenging to convert tidal energy into electrical energy.
• It is vital to have powerful oceanic waves to obtain electricity from the wave energy produced; otherwise, it will be difficult to generate electricity.
• For trapping the ocean's thermal energy, it is crucial to maintain a temperature difference of more than 20°C between the hot surface of the water and the cold water surface at greater depths.

Question-5

Is it possible for a source of energy to be free from pollution? State reasons for your answer.

Solution-5

It is important to realise that no energy source can be completely free from pollution. But in the case of solar cells, they are naturally free from pollutants. The manufacturing of this energy might lead to environmental damage or cause harm. Thus, we can say that no energy source is entirely pollution-free.

Question-6

What is the need for alternate energy resources when we already happen to have certain resources?

Solution-6

We need an alternate source of energy because the fossil fuels we generally use are non-renewable sources of energy. It means that they are not readily available in huge quantities or cannot be renewed or regenerated. Fossil fuels will get exhausted; sooner than later if consumed in huge quantities. Therefore, it is essential to shift to an alternate source of energy that is better for the environment. Using renewable energy also ensures a better future and sustainability.

Question-7

State some disadvantages of fossil fuels.

Solution-7

Some disadvantages of fossil fuels are as follows:

• Once exhausted, fossil fuels cannot be regenerated.
• They are one of the primary reasons for air pollution.
• Fossil fuels lead to water pollution and oil spills, further degrading the environment and adversely affecting the lives of marine animals.
• Unearthing fossil fuels can have serious repercussions, such as underground explosions and other such disasters.

This article deals with the important aspects of sources of energy. It is a vital chapter in the syllabus of class 10 and demands a good understanding of concepts and theories. A clear understanding of this chapter ensures better results and clarity.

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