Chapter 2.2, Problem 1RV

Summary Introduction

To determine:

The definition of the term energy and Earth’s ultimate source of energy.

Explanation of Solution

Energy in simpler terms can be described as the ability to do work. It exists in various forms such as kinetic, potential, electrical, thermal, chemical, nuclear, etc. On earth, the sun is considered to be the ultimate source of energy. Solar energy is used by autotrophs such as plants to convert the inorganic molecules to useable organic molecules. These organic molecules are used by other organisms to perform all the metabolic and physical processes.

The sun directly provides solar energy which can be converted into electric energy by using solar cells. When dead plants are buried in the soil, the heating of the ground due to the absorption of heat energy from the sun causes the formation of fossil fuel under high pressure. The flow of wind is also due to a difference in the heat of an atmosphere. In casethe sun does not provide the heat energy, all the water on earth will freeze and no hydro energy can be utilized. So, the sun is an ultimate source of any form of energy present onearth.