Frequently Asked
Questions:
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What is Energy?
Energy is the ability to do work. It comes in different
forms -- heat (thermal), light (radiant), mechanical,
electrical, chemical, and nuclear energy. Energy is in
everything. We use energy to do everything we do, from
making a jump shot to baking our favorite cookies to
sending astronauts into space -- energy is there, making
sure we have the power to do it all. There are two types
of energy -- stored (potential) energy and working
(kinetic) energy. For example, the food you eat contains
chemical energy, and your body stores this energy until
you release it when you work or play.
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What is Renewable and Non-Renewable Energy?
Renewable energy sources
include solar energy, which comes from the sun and can
be turned into electricity and heat. Wind, geothermal
energy from inside the earth, biomass from plants, and
hydropower and ocean energy from water are also
renewable energy sources.
However, we get most of our energy from nonrenewable
energy sources, which include the fossil fuels -- oil,
natural gas, and coal. They're called fossil fuels
because they were formed over millions and millions of
years by the action of heat from the Earth's core and
pressure from rock and soil on the remains (or
"fossils") of dead plants and animals. Another
nonrenewable energy source is the element uranium, whose
atoms we split (through a process called nuclear
fission) to create heat and ultimately electricity.
- What is Energy
Efficiency?
Energy Efficiency means using less energy to accomplish
the same task, such as heating or lighting a building.
It refers to products or systems using less energy to do
the same or better job than conventional products or
systems. Energy efficiency saves energy, saves money on
utility bills, and helps protect the environment by
reducing carbon and other emissions.
- What is Energy
Conservation?
What is Energy Efficiency? Energy Efficiency means using
less energy to accomplish the same task, such as heating
or lighting a building. It refers to products or systems
using less energy to do the same or better job than
conventional products or systems. Energy efficiency
saves energy, saves money on utility bills, and helps
protect the environment by reducing carbon and other
emissions.
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