Chapter 9, Problem 24A

What is the ultimate source of geothermal energy?

To determine

To find: The ultimate source of geothermal energy.

Answer to Problem 24A

The process of radioactive decay is the ultimate source of geothermal energy

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

In certain situations, energy can be obtained from a direct source as in the case of solar energy. But energy can also be obtained as a byproduct of some processes. Geothermal energy is such a form of energy. The word Geo means earth and thermal implies heat.

As the name suggest, geothermal energy is a form of heat energy found beneath the earth’s surface in rocks or fluids. But though it can be harnessed from a shallow depth, it is produced primarily by the radioactive decay of elements under the earth, due to phenomenon like volcanic eruptions. Thus, the radioactive processes occurring deep inside the earth surface can be considered as the ultimate source for the geothermal energy.

It is one of the clean sources of energy and can be used in power generation with proper mechanisms

Conclusion

Therefore, the ultimate source of geothermal energy is process of radioactive decay.