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Question

Compare and contrast fossil fuels and the sun as direct sources of energy.


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Solution

Fossil fuels:

  • Fuels known as fossil fuels are produced by natural processes like the decay of extinct and buried creatures.
  • Under several thousand feet of silt, combustible geologic deposits of organic materials, such as dead plants and animals, are what are known as fossil fuels.
  • Due to the intense heat and pressure inside the earth's crust, these deposits began to deteriorate over time and were eventually transformed into natural gas, coal, and petroleum.

Solar energy:

  • Solar energy, one of the renewable sources of energy, is defined as the transformation of solar energy.
  • Most of the sunlight's energy is present as visible light and infrared radiation when it travels through the atmosphere of the planet.
  • Photosynthesis is the process by which plants use this energy to transform it into sugar and carbohydrates.
  • These energies are transformed into electricity using solar cell panels.

Comparison of advantages and disadvantages of fossil fuels and solar energy:

Advantages:

Fossil fuelsSolar energy
  • At one time, fossil fuels are capable of producing a lot of power.
  • Due to the fact that it doesn't emit carbon dioxide, unlike fossil fuels, which is one of the factors contributing to global warming, it is regarded as the cleanest kind of energy.
  • They are quite simple to locate.
  • Free energy because it is easily captured.
  • They are economical.
  • Cost savings on utilities.
  • Oil and gas can be transported simply via pipes.
  • There is no concern about dependability because the energy may be stored in the batteries.
  • It is plentiful despite being a limited resource.
  • As long as the sun is present, there is enough energy on earth.

Disadvantages:

Fossil fuelsSolar energy
  • Burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide, significant greenhouse gas, and the main cause of pollution. This has aided in the process of global warming.
  • Production is lower in the winter and on overcast days.
  • They are a non-renewable resource, meaning that they cannot be replenished after being utilized.
  • Both the original cost of the components and the installation are pricey.
  • When fossil fuels are used, the environment becomes more acidic. Unpredictable and detrimental changes in the ecosystem have resulted from this.
  • More space is being consumed.


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