Discuss the listed energy topics (Term Paper Sample)

Energy Name Institution The aim of the study is to discuss the thermodynamics law and its relationship with the environment. It will focus on the pros and cons of different energy sources. Lastly, it will discuss the provisions of energy act of 2005 and draw opinion regarding its practicability in energy conservation. The thermodynamics laws describe the relationship between forms of energy. Also, how each affect matter. The first law states that energy can be created neither destroyed. The second law indicates that the energy diminishes with time during the transfer or transformation process (Cheng & Liang, 2013). The law applies to energy use, conversions, and efficiency. First, for conservation purposes, the energy is utilized in the functioning of systems. In a closed system, the energy is not allowed to enter or leave therefore it remains constant. In an open system like burning wood, the energy enters the system from another system and leaves to go out to another system. Regarding efficiency, the law indicates an inverse relationship during energy transfer from the source to the sink. The process continues until both source and sinks attain equal temperature. However, during the transfer, some heat is lost. Therefore, there is no 100% energy use efficiency. Lastly, the law indicates that organisms must maintain energy in a non-random state in comparison to their surroundings. The organisms cannot survive without energy use or influx of energy source. The entire solar energy diminishes when organisms consume it. Therefore, it obeys the second law of thermodynamics (Cheng & Liang, 2013). The use of fossil fuels i.e. coal, oil and natural gas has its advantages and disadvantages. First, the fuels are well developed since they have an up to date technology useful to harness them from source. Additionally, they are a reliable and cheap form of energy. Lastly, they are easily convertible from one form to another. Despite the advantages, they have many disadvantages. First, the energy sources emit high levels of greenhouse gasses like carbon dioxide contributing to global warming. Secondly, they are non-renewable energy sources. The energy sources have a finite supply. Lastly, they cause accidents. For example, oil spills (Ivanovich, 2014). Secondly, the use of nuclear energy has its pros and cons. First, the production of nuclear power emits fewer greenhouse gasses. Secondly, the costs of running a nuclear power plant are relatively low since the life of nuclear reactor is about- 40-60 years. Additionally, it a reliable energy since nuclear reactor can run even for year uninterrupted. However, they have many disadvantages. First, they have high set-up costs due to its complex procedures. Secondly, the nuclear plant is prone to accidents. Additionally, it is a finite energy source. Furthermore, the production of nuclear energy is harmful to the environment (Ivanovich, 2014). Thirdly, the solar energy is advantageous. First, it is a renewable energy since the world cannot run out of solar. Secondly, the energy is abundant and beyond imagination. Additionally, it is sustainable since it meets the present needs without compromising the future capacity. Lastly, it reduces the electricity costs. However, they are also disadvantageous. First, the energy is intermittent since access to sunlight is limited to certain day times. Secondly, the solar storage technologies are expensive. Additionally, it requires large space area to install them (Ivanovich, 2014). Additionally, the use of wind energy is advantageous. First, it is non-pollutant energy. Secondly, it has infinite capacity. It is renewable energy. Additionally, the wind turbines are space efficient. Lastly, they have low operational costs. However, they have disadvantages. First, the wind is intermittent thereby not reliable. Secondly, the wind turbines require heavy capital investment. Lastly, they cause noise pollution (Ivanovich, 2014). Furthermore, the production of hydropower is advantageous. First, it is renewable energy. Secondly, it is a non-pollutant. Additionally, it is reliable since there are minimal fluctuations. Lastly, it is flexible to adjust the production capacity. However, they are disadvantageous. First, it requires massive capital investment to build a power plant. Secondly, it is prone to decline during the drought period. Lastly, the construction has environmental consequences due to interventions of nature (Ivanovich, 2014). Fina...