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Alternate Energy Sources: Solar, Wind, Hydro, Biomass, etc.
There are many, but it depends a bit on what you mean by "alternate." Mostly, people mean sources other than fossil fuels (oil, coal, natural gas), and maybe nuclear fission as well. Personally I prefer the term "renewable" sources of energy because the meaning is more clear, and maybe some day in the future renewable energy sources will be our main source of power, and won't be "alternate" at all!
Here are a few:
Solar: Solar power or sun's energy can be used to make both electricity and fuel with solar panels. These panels take energy from sunlight and turn it into either electricity or they drive a chemical reaction to make a fuel (hydrogen gas for instance). More energy from the sun hits the earth's surface in one hour than ALL the energy used by people on the entire earth in one year!
Hydroelectric: By building a dam on a river, and only letting the water pass through a small passage, you can use the force of the moving water to spin a turbine to make electricity.
Geothermal: If you drill down deep enough into the surface of the earth, you will reach very hot rocks. You can inject cold water into this deep hole, and the rocks heat the water, turning it to steam. You can then use this steam to turn a turbine to make electricity.
Wind: Giant windmills spin to make electricity from the force of wind moving through the blades of the windmill.
Biomass: Many plants can be turned into chemical fuels that can be burned. Ethanol is the most common, and usually corn or sugar cane is grown to make ethanol. You can burn ethanol in many cars just like gasoline.
Waves and Tides: The movement of water due to crashing waves or rising and falling tides can be used to spin a submerged propeller or a turbine to make electricity
Fusion: A costly and somewhat dangerous resource is being developed which is known as fusion. This is the same energy which generates the sun's heat and energy. It fuses hydrogen atoms into helium atoms but is not yet cost effective and they have yet to make a self sustaining reaction.
Another view:
Alternate renewable sources of energy are those that can be harnessed naturally and repeatedly by humans without damaging the environment or adding to the possibility of global warming.
What else can I help you with?
Some sources for energy are called alternative sources. To what sources of energy are they an alternative?
Alternative energy sources are typically alternatives to fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, which are conventional energy sources. They include renewable options like solar, wind, geothermal, hydroelectric, and biomass energy. These alternatives aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, decrease dependence on finite resources, and promote environmental sustainability. By harnessing natural processes, alternative energy sources provide cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions.
Why did each of the alternative energy sources you named are considered renewable?
Alternative energy sources like solar, wind, and hydro are considered renewable because they harness natural processes that are continually replenished. Solar energy captures sunlight, which is abundant and inexhaustible on human timescales. Wind energy utilizes air currents generated by the sun's heating of the Earth's surface, while hydro energy relies on the water cycle, which is driven by solar energy. These sources are sustainable and have minimal environmental impact compared to fossil fuels.
How can we ensure there will be enough energy for the future?
In general terms, there are two things we (mankind) can work on.1) Waste less energy. 2) Get access to new energy sources, and especially, to the so-called "renewable" energy sources, meaning, energy sources that will continue working for millions of years.
What kind of scientist is Pro Oliver Headley?
Professor Oliver Headley (1942 to 2002) was a chemist and solar scientist. He is most known for his work on solar energy and promotion of alternative energy sources.
How do you use alternative energy in a sentence?
We are interested in increasing our use of alternative energy, and have been considering getting solar panels for our house. Alternative energy tax credits may mean that the cost will be lower when we get a tax rebate after buying solar panels.
What is a another name for renewable energy source?
alternative energy
Is coal an alternative energy source?
No, coal is not an alternative energy source. "Alternative" energy sources means energy sources other than fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas).
What is alternative sources of energy?
an alternative to electric like solar power
Which alternative energy source is found in Iceland?
The majority of alternative energy sources were put in place by Mannvit Engineering. Currently the most common sources of alternative energy in Iceland are geothermal energy and hydroelectric energy. Mannvit is still exploring other alternative energy sources to be implemented throughout Iceland and the rest of the world.
What will developing alternative energy sources reduce your need for?
Developing alternative energy sources reduce your need for oil and coal, primarily.
Are fossil fuels alternative energy?
No. Alternative energy means energy sources other than fossil fuels.
What does alternative energy resource mean?
Alternative resource is the new renewable or inexhaustable energy source;includes solar energy, wind, and geothermal energy.
What are three alternative sources of energy?
solarwindbiomassnucleargeothermal
Are there any alternative energy sources that may be more beneficial?
There are severral alternative energy sources that are more beneficial than current ones, including eolic and solar sources.
Some sources for energy are called alternative sources. To what sources of energy are they an alternative?
Alternative energy sources are typically alternatives to fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, which are conventional energy sources. They include renewable options like solar, wind, geothermal, hydroelectric, and biomass energy. These alternatives aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, decrease dependence on finite resources, and promote environmental sustainability. By harnessing natural processes, alternative energy sources provide cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions.
What are three alterative energy sources?
It is, like all things, what you perceive it to be (or not to be).
Energy sources other than fossil fuel are called what kind of resources?
They are called renewables. (though strictly, nuclear power is not a fossil fuel and is not renewable).They are called alternative energy sources.
