Energy Historical Overview

Types of Energy Kinetic and Potential Energy Energy is classified as kinetic and potential energy

Kinetic Energy Kinetic energy is the energy associated with a moving object, for example, a moving football, a speeding train, a waterfall or a rock falling from a cliff.

Potential Energy Potential energy is the energy in an object due to its position or the arrangement of its parts. It is divided into the following four areas: gravitational potential energy elastic potential energy chemical potential energy electromagnetic potential energy

Gravitational Potential Energy Gravitational potential energy is produced when an object is lifted up and work is done against the force of gravity. As the object falls, potential energy is converted to kinetic energy

Elastic Potential Energy Elastic potential energy is produced when an object (such as a spring or a rubber band) resists being stretched out of shape. The energy from the deformation of the band can be converted into kinetic energy and used to do work, for example, to spin a propeller or power a toy airplane.

Chemical Potential Energy Chemical potential energy is the energy that holds molecules together. Combustion, for example, of fossil fuels, releases the energy, which can be used to do work. Combustion is a word scientists use for burning.

Electromagnetic Potential Energy Electromagnetic potential energy can be stored in a battery or supplied from a power plant, hydroelectric dam or windmill.

Thermal energy Thermal Energy is the movement of molecules that make up the object. All objects possess thermal energy (even cold ones), since they have a temperature above absolute zero. Thermally Agitated Molecule.gif

Thermal energy Friction is a form of thermal energy, which you can feel when rubbing your hands together. The sun is a source of thermal energy. Hot springs are a source of thermal energy.

Human muscle power Human muscle power was the only source of energy for (craft) production until the industrial revolution. This picture shows how human muscle power and a crank are used for driving a mill.

Development of machines Water wheels The development of machines based on flowing water led to a revolution in production. The water wheel enabled the harnessing of energy for production. However the water wheel had a fixed location next to a fast flowing river and so lacked flexibility

The steam engine A steam engine is an external combustion heat engine that makes use of the heat energy that exists in steam, converting it to mechanical work. The invention of the steam engine and the use of steam as the basis for the operation of machines led to a large increase in scale of production based on coal. Development of machines Steam engine in action.gif

Development of the steam engine Steam power is more efficient than water power, but still only 30% of the energy produced is converted. The advantage of steam power is that it is more moveable and therefore flexible. Consider the impact of the steam engine on the mechanisation of the cotton industry.

The cotton industry The impact that steam engines had on the cotton industry was huge. Horse and water power became inadequate to drive the new textile machinery. Horse powered mills were limited in size by the number of horses that could be used at any one time, and water power required physical location on the rapidly diminishing sites by rivers and streams.

James Watt's steam engines were key to Britain's successful industrial development. By 1800, 500 had been built, of which 60 per cent were rotative, suitable for turning factory machinery. By 1800 there were 900 cotton spinning factories in Britain, providing a fertile market for steam engines in the future.

The development of electricity led to a technological revolution and an increased volume of production. Development of electricity

Faradays discovery of electromagnetic induction and the invention of the dynamo allowed the energy from coal or fast-flowing water to be converted into electricity. As a result the electricity industry was established, with a sophisticated infrastructure enabling a new generation of electrical machines and electrical products. Electromagnetic induction underlies the operation of generators, induction motors, transformers, and most other electrical machines.

Factory production and the development of assembly-line arrangements enabled the development of a vast range of cheaper products. Development of electricity Early factory production for textiles.A modern textile factory.

The electric motor is used widely in industry. Electric Motor Example: Drills Saws Lathes Belt systems

The production and distribution of electricity led to large- scale energy usage, security of supply and the geographical spread of production away from the source of energy supplies. Production and distribution of electricity Power stations are usually situated far away from towns and businesses. Electric power lines carry electricity to where it is needed. Homes have electric meters to monitor the use of electricity.

The electrical distribution network and grid system allowed industry to move away from the source of the fuel supply. Production and distribution of electricity

Development of portable electricity The development of localised, portable sources of electrical energy in the form of batteries changed the nature of energy usage and the development of new types of products.

Development of battery powered cars Most of these parts of the car are made to rid of a few pounds and to increase the battery's charging and increase the battery's energy efficiency.

Portable radios. Development of portable electricity Mobile phones I-pods Laptops. PSP.