Energy transfers change a lot between renewable and non-renewable energy sources, and it's really interesting when you look into it.

Non-renewable Energy Sources

1. Fossil Fuels:

   • When we burn coal, oil, or natural gas, a chemical reaction happens. This reaction releases energy that turns into heat.
   • This heat can boil water to create steam. The steam then turns turbines to make electricity. Here's how the energy changes:
     • Chemical energy (found in fuels) → Heat energy → Kinetic energy (from turbines) → Electrical energy.

2. Nuclear Energy:

   • In nuclear power, small particles called uranium atoms are split apart in a process called fission.
   • The energy from these split atoms creates heat, which produces steam to turn turbines. The energy flow looks like this:
     • Nuclear potential energy → Heat energy → Kinetic energy (from turbines) → Electrical energy.

Renewable Energy Sources

1. Solar Power:

   • Solar panels catch sunlight and turn it straight into electricity using something called the photovoltaic effect. The energy change is:
     • Radiant energy (sunlight) → Electrical energy.

2. Wind Energy:

   • Wind turbines use moving air to turn blades that are connected to a generator. The energy flow here is:
     • Kinetic energy (from wind) → Kinetic energy (from turbine blades) → Electrical energy.

3. Hydroelectric Power:

   • Moving water spins turbines to create electricity. This process is similar to fossil fuels but is much better for the environment:
     • Gravitational potential energy (from water) → Kinetic energy (from moving water) → Electrical energy.

Impact

The way each energy source works affects how clean it is and how it impacts our world. Non-renewable sources can cause pollution and greenhouse gases, while renewable sources provide cleaner energy options. Knowing how these energy transfers work helps us see the bigger picture when it comes to energy use and sustainability!