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Unit 12: Alternative Energy Page 13 of 31
time to see observable results. energy every second. The
Some of the experiments may take temperature in the sun exceeds 15
a shorter time than that suggested million degrees.
in the experiment. Some
experiments may take a longer Nuclear fusion is one kind of
time than suggested. energy. Other forms of energy
include: mechanical energy, heat,
Science is not merely a collection electrical energy, chemical energy,
of facts, but a way of thinking. You and light. Mechanical energy is the
can play a key role in maintaining energy of organized motion, such
and encouraging someone’s as a turning wheel. Heat is the
interest in science and the energy of random motion, such as
surrounding world by sharing what a cup of hot water. Electrical
you know with them in a way that energy is the energy of moving
really makes them want to know charged particles or electrons, such
more. as a current in a wire. Chemical
energy is the energy stored in
Energy, Temperature and bonds that hold atoms together.
Heat Light is any form of
electromagnetic waves, such as X
Without the sun, there would be no rays, microwaves, radio waves,
life on Earth. The sun warms the ultraviolet light, or visible light.
earth, generates wind, and carries
water into the air to produce rain Energy can be converted from one
and snow. The energy of the sun from to another. For example, the
provides sunlight for all the plant nuclear energy of the sun is
life on our planet, and through converted to light, which goes
plants provides energy for all through space to the earth. Solar
animals. collectors of mirrors can be used to
focus some of that light to heat
The sun is like a giant furnace in water to steam. This steam can be
which hydrogen nuclei (atoms used to turn a turbine, which can
without electrons) are constantly power a generator to produce
smashed together to form helium electricity.
nuclei. This process is called
nuclear fusion. In this process, 3.6 Most of our energy needs are met
billion kilograms (8 billion pounds) by burning fossil fuels such as coal,
of matter are converted to pure oil, gasoline, and natural gas. The
chemical energy stored in these
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