LESSON 4

ENERGY

Let’s Check What You Know about the Lesson

PRE-ASSESSMENT

1. Which of the following describes an endothermic reaction?

a. energy is absorbed by the chemical reaction.

b. energy is released to the surrounding.

c. energy is gained by the surroundings.

d. energy is given off by the chemical.

2. Which of the following is a characteristic of an exothermic reaction?

a. energy is released to the surroundings.

b. the change in energy is positive.

c. energy is gained by the chemical reaction.

d. the energy of the reaction increases.

3. Which of the following refers to finite resources that will eventually get depleted?

a. renewable resources

b. nonrenewable resource

c. natural resources

d. protected resources.

4. Which of the following refers to resources that are naturally replenished?

a. renewable resources

b. nonrenewable resource

c. natural resources

d. protected resources.

5. Where will you likely find hydrothermal vents?

a. near active volcanoes

b. near tropical rainforests

c. near ocean

d. near stream or rivers

6. The water that drives turbines in geothermal plants absorb heat energy
from _____________.

a. molten rocks

b. heated biomass

c. high pressure water

d. fossil fuels

7. Which of the following refers to the heat obtained from hot water from hydrothermal
vents?

a. thermal energy

b. solar energy

c. geothermal energy

d. hydrothermal energy

8. Which of the following store and convert chemical energy into electrical energy?
a. batteries

b. solar cells

c. generators

d. motors

9. Which of the following converts light into electricity?

a. batteries

b. solar cells

c. generators

d. motors

10. A battery that can be recharged using solar energy is classified as _______________.

a. renewable

b. non renewable

c. disposable

d. nonrechargeable

CONTEXT

In this lesson, you should be able to:

 describe how energy is harnessed from different sources, such as fossil fuels,
biogas, and biomass.
 describe how energy is harnessed from different sources, such as geothermal,
and hydrothermal energy.
 describe how energy is harnessed from different sources, such as batteries, and
solar cells.
PRE-LECTURE

1. Observe the picture shown.

b. what can you contribute to conserve our energy sources.

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All matter and energy are conserved. In chemical reactions, the amount of reactants
used is always equal to the amount of products produced. The same is true for
chemical energies. Similar to mass, chemical energies are conserved.

Chemical reactions are processes that involve the transfer of energy. When chemical
bonds between atoms are broken, energy is released. This chemical energy can be
harnessed, converted into other forms, and utilized. In this unit, you will learn about the
types of chemical reactions based on energy change. You will also realize how the
energy from reactions are converted into electrical energy that power electronic and
electrical devices you use every day.
CONCEPT NOTE

The basic overview of energy and human life

Energy is the capacity to do work and is required for life processes. An energy resource
is something that can produce heat, power life, move objects, or produce electricity.
Matter that stores energy is called a fuel. Human energy consumption has grown
steadily .throughout human history. Early humans had modest energy requirements,
mostly food and fuel for fires to cook and keep warm.

In today's society, humans consume as much as 110 times as much energy per person
as early humans. Most of the energy we use today comes from fossil fuels (stored solar
energy). But fossils fuels have a disadvantage in that they are non-renewable on a
human time scale and cause other potentially harmful effects on the environment. In
any event, the exploitation of all energy sources (with the possible exception of direct
solar energy used for heating), ultimately rely on materials on planet Earth.
CONTEXT

Everything requires energy. Even when you are sitting as still as you possibly can, your
body is using energy to breathe, circulate blood, digest food, and perform many other
functions. Producing light or heat requires energy. Making something requires energy.
Plants and animals all require energy to function. To repeat, everything requires energy!

The Need for Energy

Energy is the ability to do work or produce change. Every living thing needs energy to
perform its daily functions and even more energy to grow. Plants get energy from the
―food‖ they make by photosynthesis, and animals get energy directly or indirectly from
that food. People also use energy for many things, such as cooking food, keeping ice
cream cold in the freezer, heating a house, constructing a skyscraper, or lighting their
homes. Because billions of people all around the world use energy, there is a huge
need for energy resources. Energy conservation is something everyone can do now to
help reduce the strain on energy resources.

SOURCES OF ENERGY

Fossil fuels

Fossil fuels are hydrocarbons, primarily coal, fuel oil or natural gas, formed from the
remains of dead plants and animals. In common dialogue, the term fossil fuel also
includes hydrocarbon-containing natural resources that are not derived from animal or
plant sources.
The utilization of fossil fuels has enabled large-scale industrial development and largely
supplanted water-driven mills, as well as the combustion of wood or peat for heat.
Fossil fuel is a general term for buried combustible geologic deposits of organic
materials, formed from decayed plants and animals that have been converted to
crude oil, coal, natural gas, or heavy oils by exposure to heat and pressure in the earth's
crust over hundreds of millions of years.
The burning of fossil fuels by humans is the largest source of emissions of carbon dioxide,
which is one of the greenhouse gases that allows radiative forcing and contributes to
global warming.
A small portion of hydrocarbon-based fuels are biofuels derived from atmospheric
carbon dioxide, and thus do not increase the net amount of carbon dioxide in the
atmosphere.
Once the fossil fuels are collected, they are transported to the power plant. The fossil
fuels are then burned to heat water. When the fossil fuels' many hydrocarbon bonds
are broken, they release large amounts of energy. The steam from the water then
increases in pressure, forcing a turbine to spin. The turbine is used to rotate a magnet
encased in a generator a high speeds. As the magnet spins, electrons are produced,
and they power the electricity grid.
 A fossil fuel power station diagram

Advantages and Disadvantages of Fossil Fuels

Advantages:
 Fossil fuels can generate a large amount of electricity at a single location.
 They can be found very easily.
 They are cost-effective.
 Transportation of oil and gas can be done easily through pipelines.
 They have become safer over time.
 Despite being a finite resource, it is available in plenty.
Disadvantages
 Fossil fuels emit carbon dioxide when burnt which is a major greenhouse gas and
the primary source of pollution. This has contributed to global warming.
 They are a non-renewable resource, i.e., once used they cannot be replaced.
 Combustion of fossil fuels makes the environment more acidic. This has led to
unpredictable and negative changes in the environment.
 Harvesting of fossil fuels also causes fatal diseases among the people. For eg.,
the coal miners often suffer from Black Lung Disease. The natural gas drillers are
constantly exposed to chemicals and silica which is dangerous for their health.
Biogas

Biogas is a type of biofuel that is naturally produced from the decomposition of organic
waste. When organic matter, such as food scraps and animal waste, break down in an
anaerobic environment (an environment absent of oxygen) they release a blend of
gases, primarily methane and carbon dioxide. Because this decomposition happens in
an anaerobic environment, the process of producing biogas is also known
as anaerobic digestion.
Anaerobic digestion is a natural form of waste-to-energy that uses the process of
fermentation to breakdown organic matter. Animal manure, food scraps, wastewater,
and sewage are all examples of organic matter that can produce biogas by
anaerobic digestion. Due to the high content of methane in biogas (typically 50-75%)
biogas is flammable, and therefore produces a deep blue flame, and can be used as
an energy source.

To produce biogas, organic matter ferments with the help of bacterial communities.
Four stages of fermentation move the organic material from their initial composition into
their biogas state.

1. The first stage of the digestion process is the hydrolysis stage. In the hydrolysis
stage insoluble organic polymers (such as carbohydrates) are broken down,
making it accessible to the next stage of bacteria called acidogenic bacteria.
2. The acideogenic bacteria convert sugars and amino acids into carbon dioxide,
hydrogen, ammonia, and organic acids.
3. At the third stage the acetogenic bacteria convert the organic acids into acetic
acid, hydrogen, ammonia, and carbon dioxide, allowing for the final stage- the
methanogens.
4. The methanogens convert these final components into methane and carbon
dioxide- which can then be used as a flammable, green energy.

Advantages of Biogas

1. Biogas is Eco-Friendly
Biogas is a renewable, as well as a clean, source of energy. Gas generated through
biodigestion is non-polluting; it actually reduces greenhouse emissions (i.e. reduces the
greenhouse effect). No combustion takes place in the process, meaning there is zero
emission of greenhouse gasses to the atmosphere; therefore, using gas from waste as a
form of energy is actually a great way to combat global warming.
Unsurprisingly, concern for the environment is a major reason why the use of biogas has
become more widespread. Biogas plants significantly curb the greenhouse effect: the
plants lower methane emissions by capturing this harmful gas and using it as fuel. Biogas
generation helps cut reliance on the use of fossil fuels, such as oil and coal.

Another biogas advantage is that, unlike other types of renewable energies, the
process is natural, not requiring energy for the generation process. In addition, the raw
materials used in the production of biogas are renewable, as trees and crops will
continue to grow. Manure, food scraps, and crop residue are raw materials that will
always be available, which makes it a highly sustainable option.

2. Biogas Generation Reduces Soil and Water Pollution

Overflowing landfills don’t only spread foul smells- they also allow toxic liquids to drain
into underground water sources. Consequently, yet another advantage of biogas is
that biogas generation may improve water quality. Moreover, anaerobic digestion
deactivates pathogens and parasites; thus, it’s also quite effective in reducing the
incidence of waterborne diseases. Similarly, waste collection, and management,
significantly improve in areas with biogas plants. This, in turn, leads to improvements in
the environment, sanitation, and hygiene.

3. Biogas Generation Produces Organic Fertilizer

The by-product of the biogas generation process is enriched organic (digestate), which
is a perfect supplement to, or substitute for, chemical fertilizers. The fertilizer
discharge from the digester can accelerate plant growth and resilience to diseases,
whereas commercial fertilizers contain chemicals that have toxic effects and can
cause food poisoning, among other things.
4. It’s A Simple and Low-Cost Technology That Encourages A Circular Economy

The technology used to produce biogas is quite cheap. It is easy to set up and needs
little investment when on a small scale. Small biodigesters can be used right at home,
utilizing kitchen waste and animal manure. A household system pays for itself after a
while, and the materials used for generation are absolutely free. The gas manifested
can be used directly for cooking and generation of electricity. This is what allows the
cost of biogas production to be relatively low.
Farms can make use of biogas plants and waste products produced by their livestock
every day. The waste products of one cow can provide enough energy to power a
lightbulb for an entire day.

In large plants, biogas can also be compressed to achieve the quality of natural gas,
and utilized to power automobiles. Building such plants requires relatively low capital
investment, and creates green jobs. For instance, in India, 10 million jobs were created,
mostly in rural areas, in plants and in organic waste collection.

5. Healthy Cooking Alternative For Developing Areas

Biogas generators save women and children from the daunting task of firewood
collection. As a result, more time is left over for cooking and clean. More importantly,
cooking on a gas stove, instead of over an open fire, prevents the family from being
exposed to smoke in the kitchen. This helps prevent deadly respiratory diseases.
Sadly, 4.3 million people a year die prematurely from illness attributable to the
household air pollution caused by the inefficient use of solid fuels for cooking.

Disadvantages of Biogas

1. Few Technological Advancements

An unfortunate disadvantage of biogas today is that the systems used in the
production of biogas are not efficient. There are no new technologies yet to simplify the
process and make it abundant and low cost. This means large scale production to
supply for a large population is still not possible. Although the biogas plants available
today are able to meet some energy needs, many governments are not willing to invest
in the sector.

2. Contains Impurities
After refinement and compression, biogas still contains impurities. If the generated bio-
fuel was utilized to power automobiles, it can corrode the metal parts of the engine.
This corrosion would lead to increased maintenance costs. The gaseous mix is much
more suitable for kitchen stoves, water boilers, and lamps.

3. Effect of Temperature on Biogas Production

Like other renewable energy sources (e.g. solar, wind) biogas generation is also
affected by the weather. The optimal temperature bacteria need to digest waste is
around 37°C. In cold climates, digesters require heat energy to maintain a constant
biogas supply.

4. Less Suitable For Dense Metropolitan Areas

Another biogas disadvantage is that industrial biogas plants only makes sense where
raw materials are in plentiful supply (food waste, manure). For this reason, biogas
generation is much more suitable for rural and suburban areas.

Geothermal

Geothermal energy is heat derived within the sub-surface of the earth. Water and/or
steam carry the geothermal energy to the Earth’s surface. Depending on its
characteristics, geothermal energy can be used for heating and cooling purposes or
be harnessed to generate clean electricity. However, for electricity, generation high or
medium temperature resources are needed, which are usually located close to
tectonically active regions.
This key renewable source covers a significant share of electricity demand in countries
like Iceland, El Salvador, New Zealand, Kenya, and Philippines and more than 90% of
heating demand in Iceland. The main advantages are that it is not depending on
weather conditions and has very high capacity factors; for these reasons, geothermal
power plants are capable of supplying baseload electricity, as well as providing
ancillary services for short and long-term flexibility in some cases.

Advantages and Disadvantages

There are many advantages of geothermal energy. It can be extracted without
burning a fossil fuel such as coal, gas, or oil. Geothermal fields produce only about
one-sixth of the carbon dioxide that a relatively clean natural-gas-fueled power plant
produces. Binary plants release essentially no emissions. Unlike solar and wind energy,
geothermal energy is always available, 365 days a year. It’s also relatively
inexpensive; savings from direct use can be as much as 80 percent over fossil fuels.

But it has some environmental problems. The main concern is the release of hydrogen
sulfide, a gas that smells like rotten egg at low concentrations. Another concern is the
disposal of some geothermal fluids, which may contain low levels of toxic materials.
Although geothermal sites are capable of providing heat for many decades,
eventually specific locations may cool down.

Hydrothermal energy

It is the process of obtaining heat or energy from a large body of water. 'Heat', in this
case should not be associated with high temperature (as it may be with geothermal
energy) but rather a relative heat content or relative temperature difference.

A geothermal resource requires fluid, heat, and permeability to generate electricity.

Conventional hydrothermal resources contain all three components naturally. These
geothermal systems can occur in widely diverse geologic settings, sometimes without
clear surface manifestations of the underlying resource.

A hydrothermal power plant

Batteries

Because some renewable energy technologies – such as wind and solar – have
variable outputs, storage technologies have great potential for smoothing out the
electricity supply from these sources and ensuring that the supply of generation
matches the demand.

Energy storage is also valued for its rapid response – most storage technologies can
begin discharging power to the grid very quickly, while fossil fuel sources tend to take
longer to ramp up. This rapid response is important for ensuring stability of the grid when
unexpected increases in demand occur. Energy storage is the capture of energy
produced at one time for use at a later time.[1] A device that stores energy is generally
called an accumulator or battery. Energy comes in multiple forms including
radiation, chemical, gravitational potential, electrical potential, electricity, elevated
temperature, latent heat and kinetic. Energy storage involves converting energy from
forms that are difficult to store to more conveniently or economically storable forms.

Energy storage also becomes more important the farther you are from the electrical
grid. For example, when you turn on the lights in your home, the power comes from the
grid; but when you turn on a flashlight while camping, you must rely on the stored
energy in the batteries. Similarly, homes that are farther away from the transmission grid
are more vulnerable to disruption than homes in large metropolitan areas. Islands and
microgrids that are disconnected from the larger electrical grid system depend on
energy storage to ensure power stability, just like you depend on the batteries in your
flashlight while camping.

Solar Cells

Solar cell, also called photovoltaic cell, any device that directly converts
the energy of light into electrical energy through the photovoltaic effect. The
overwhelming majority of solar cells are fabricated from silicon—with
increasing efficiency and lowering cost as the materials range
from amorphous (noncrystalline) to polycrystalline to crystalline (single crystal) silicon
forms. Unlike batteries or fuel cells, solar cells do not utilize chemical reactions or require
fuel to produce electric power, and, unlike electric generators, they do not have any
moving parts.

Diagram of a solar cell structure

A commonly used solar cell structure. In many such cells, the absorber layer and the
back junction layer are both made of the same material.

How are solar cells made?

Photo: A single solar cell.

Silicon is the stuff from which the transistors (tiny switches) in microchips are made—and
solar cells work in a similar way. Silicon is a type of material called a semiconductor.
Some materials, notably metals, allow electricity to flow through them very easily; they
are called conductors. Other materials, such as plastics and wood, don't really let
electricity flow through them at all; they are called insulators. Semiconductors like silicon
are neither conductors nor insulators: they don't normally conduct electricity, but under
certain circumstances we can make them do so.

A solar cell is a sandwich of two different layers of silicon that have been specially
treated or doped so they will let electricity flow through them in a particular way. The
lower layer is doped so it has slightly too few electrons. It's called p-type or positive-type
silicon (because electrons are negatively charged and this layer has too few of them).
The upper layer is doped the opposite way to give it slightly too many electrons. It's
called n-type or negative-type silicon. (You can read more about semiconductors and
doping in our articles on transistors and integrated circuits.)

When we place a layer of n-type silicon on a layer of p-type silicon, a barrier is created
at the junction of the two materials (the all-important border where the two kinds of
silicon meet up). No electrons can cross the barrier so, even if we connect this silicon
sandwich to a flashlight, no current will flow: the bulb will not light up. But if we shine
light onto the sandwich, something remarkable happens. We can think of the light as a
stream of energetic "light particles" called photons. As photons enter our sandwich, they
give up their energy to the atoms in the silicon. The incoming energy knocks electrons
out of the lower, p-type layer so they jump across the barrier to the n-type layer above
and flow out around the circuit. The more light that shines, the more electrons jump up
and the more current flows.

This is what we mean by photovoltaic—light making voltage—and it's one kind of what
scientists call the photoelectric effect.

Biomass

Biomass energy is energy generated or produced by living or once-living organisms. The

most common biomass materials used for energy are plants, such as corn and soy,
above. The energy from these organisms can be burned to create heat or converted
into electricity.
Biomass can be burned by thermal conversion and used for energy. Thermal conversion
involves heating the biomass feedstock in order to burn, dehydrate, or stabilize it. The
most familiar biomass feedstocks for thermal conversion are raw materials such
as municipal solid waste (MSW) and scraps from paper or lumber mills.

Different types of energy are created through direct firing, co-firing, pyrolysis,
gasification, and anaerobic decomposition.

Before biomass can be burned, however, it must be dried. This chemical process is
called torrefaction. During torrefaction, biomass is heated to about 200° to 320° Celsius
(390° to 610° Fahrenheit). The biomass dries out so completely that it loses the ability to
absorb moisture, or rot. It loses about 20% of its original mass, but retains 90% of its
energy. The lost energy and mass can be used to fuel the torrefaction process.

During torrefaction, biomass becomes a dry, blackened material. It is then compressed

into briquettes. Biomass briquettes are very hydrophobic, meaning they repel water. This
makes it possible to store them in moist areas. The briquettes have high energy density
and are easy to burn during direct or co-firing.

EXPERIENCE

Energy Sources Research

Purpose
Although most of the energy consumed in the Philippines comes from hydroelectric
sources, there are many other potential sources of energy available. In all cases,
there are pros and cons to our use of these sources. Some of the energy sources are
limited by their availability or environmental impact; others need technological
improvements before they can become widely used. For scientists and engineers,
research is the best way to learn about unknown topics.

This activity calls you to examine information about energy sources and how those
sources are used to produce electrical energy. You will begin to become an expert
on one source of energy and report your findings back to the class. Then, you will
meet with a group to discuss the various pros and cons that affect our use of
different energy sources.

Procedure
1. You will choose a source of energy to research
2. Use the provided information packet or alternate resources to find the
answers to the questions about your energy sources
3. After this portion of the activity completed, you will fill in the energy sources
chart.
4. Once you have filled in the chart, answer the two discussion questions.
Sources
Fossil fuels
Biogas
Geothermal
Hydrothermal
Batteries
Solar Cells
Biomass

Research Questions
Energy Source: ______________________________________________

1. What is your energy source? Where can it be found?

2. How do we obtain this energy? (How does it work?)

3. Are there different types or uses of this source? If yes, what are the
differences?

4. What are the environmental impacts of your energy source?

 5. What are the most common applications for this energy source? (at farms, in
industry etc) Could this source be used in a family home?

Source Chart

While listening to the students in your group present their information, list some ―pros‖
and ―cons‖ of using that energy source to solve the energy problem.

Energy Source “pros” “cons”

Fossil Fuels

Biogas

Geothermal

Hydrothermal

Batteries

Solar Cells

Biomass
Discussion Questions
1. If you had to choose an energy system to tell your community about based on
the listed pros and cons, which system would you choose? Why?

2. Why do we as a nation depend so much on fossil fuels? What do you think we

could do to reduce this dependence on fossil fuels?

ANALYSIS

Answer briefly the following questions below.

1. What are the different energy sources that coud be utilized naturally?

2. Describe how energy is harnessed from different sources.

3. Explain how they turned to energy?

REFLECTION

Imagine how life is without energy. Nowadays, energy becomes one the most
important needs in the universe. The solar power from the sun is the major source and
the most promising sources of energy even in the future. Biogas, biomas, Geo and
Hydro thermal are also all natural resources that can generate electricity which utilized
by human and make their lives convenient but it cannot change the fact that these
energy sources released Carbon Dioxide, Carbon Monoxide and Methane gas.
Wherein these gases can affect our ozone layer and our health. What will you do to
minimize this problem? Will you stop using energy? Justify your answer.
ACTION

Conservation of energy is important to alleviate the pollution in the universe and it

could lessen to affect our health. We should promote alternative sources like biofuels
and renewable energy sources like solar and wind. Make a brochure, a flyer, or a
poster that contains or illustrates important information regarding to the advantages
and disadvantages of energy sources and so community will become aware on how to
use energy correctly.

Rubrics for making a brochure/flyer

 Rubrics for the Poster making
Content
Poster contains appropriate
items and information
(information is appropriate to
assigned topic).
Presentation
Poster is clean, neat, and
creative. The information is
well organized, interesting,
accurate, and reflects an
understanding of the topic.
Pictures,Clip Art and Artwork
Images, pictures, clip art and
drawn artwork are colorful and
appropriate to the assigned
topic. The layout flows well and
shows creativity. The overall
result is pleasing to the eye.
Overall Presentation
The poster fulfills all
requirements of the assignment
and shows the student’s full
potential.
5 4
Content is accurate and
all required information is
presented in a logical
order.
Presentation is neat, clean,
well- organized and
presented in a creative
way.
Presentation is colorful and
creative. Information is
interesting and accurate.
Images, pictures, clip art
and drawn artwork are
colorful, and appropriate
to the topic. Layout
flows well, shows creativity,
and is pleasing to the eye.
The poster fulfills all
requirements of the
assignment and represents
the student’s full potential.
Content is accurate but
some required information
is missing and/or not
presented in a logical
order, but is still generally
easy to follow.
Presentation is mostly neat
and clean. Information is
organized in a logical
manner and shows some
degree of creativity. The
overall presentation is
interesting.
Images, pictures, and clip
art and drawn artwork are
mostly colorful and
appropriate. Layout may
show some degree of
creativity but is not
organized logically and/or
is cluttered.
The poster fulfills all but
one of the requirements of
the assignment and shows
that the student put forth
an honest effort to
complete the assignment.
3 2 1
Content is accurate but Content is either Content is inaccurate.
some required questionable or Information is
information is missing incomplete. incomplete, inaccurate,
and/or not presented in Information is not or not presented in a
a logical order, making it presented in a logical logical order, making it
difficult to follow. order, making it difficult difficult to follow.
to follow.
Presentation flows well. Presentation is Presentation has no flow.
Some tools are used to unorganized. Tools are Insufficient information
show acceptable not used in a relevant and lacking some of the
understanding. manner. Lacking some member’s information.
of the members’
Each member’s information/ and or
information is information is not
represented and identified
identified with their
name.
Most images and/or Images are No images or artwork
artwork is are colorful inappropriate and included.
and appropriate. The artwork shows little, if
layout shows little any, creativity. The
creativity and/or is not layout is messy,
organized logically or
cluttered. disorganized or
cluttered.