2. BASICS OF ENERGY AND ITS VARIOUS FORMS
Syllabus
Basics of Energy and its various forms: Electricity basics - DC & AC currents,
Electricity tariff, Load management and Maximum demand control, Power factor.
Thermal basics -Fuels, Thermal energy contents of fuel, Temperature & Pressure, Heat capacity, Sensible and Latent heat, Evaporation, Condensation, Steam, Moist air and
Humidity & Heat transfer, Units and conversion.

2.1

Definition

Energy is the ability to do work and work is the transfer of energy from one form to another.
In practical terms, energy is what we use to manipulate the world around us, whether by exciting our muscles, by using electricity, or by using mechanical devices such as automobiles. Energy comes in different forms - heat (thermal), light (radiant), mechanical, electrical, chemical, and nuclear energy.

2.2

Various Forms of Energy

There are two types of energy - stored (potential) energy and working (kinetic) energy. For example, the food we eat contains chemical energy, and our body stores this energy until we release it when we work or play.
2.2.1

Potential Energy

Potential energy is stored energy and the energy of position (gravitational). It exists in various forms.
Chemical Energy
Chemical energy is the energy stored in the bonds of atoms and molecules. Biomass, petroleum, natural gas, propane and coal are examples of stored chemical energy.
Nuclear Energy
Nuclear energy is the energy stored in the nucleus of an atom - the energy that holds the nucleus together. The nucleus of a uranium atom is an example of nuclear energy.
Stored Mechanical Energy
Stored mechanical energy is energy stored in objects by the application of a force.
Compressed springs and stretched rubber bands are examples of stored mechanical energy.
Gravitational Energy
Gravitational energy is the energy of place or position. Water in a reservoir behind a