"If energy can't be destroyed, how can there be an energy crisis - we just need to develop some clever ways of recycling our energy," is the argument surrounding the first law of thermodynamics and energy laws when held in juxtaposition with our energy shortage. The law is commonly translated as"Energy is conserved in any process involving a thermodynamic system and its surroundings." This law further states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, but merely changed into different forms.
With means such as ocean wave energy banks, wind powered energy, streams and dam powered energy, as well as basics that have yet to be perfected such as solar and nuclear power it is amazing we have yet to implement a solid bridge between the forms changed as energy is used or stored and our process of creating a useable product yet again. If we create our energy source from used energy, we would not be as reliant upon natural sources, which we once couldn't use until we developed a way to deplete most of these sources from the earth. The United States seems to refuse to invest in other more eco-friendly means, which would solve the problem involving our shortage of supply of energy from natural sources and our need to find an energy source in the future when fossil fuels and others are no longer around.
With a universe as vast as the one we all share, energy is constantly changing forms and our perspective on means of tapping into available sources of energy needs to mature as the facts are indisputable as to the availability of alternative energy; the efficiency in which we reuse the energy is what needs "refining".
Okay, I already tried posting once but my internet crashed! So hopefully I can remember everything I wanted to say...
ReplyDeleteVery good blog!! It looks like you really put a lot of thought into expressing the need to find recyclable energy.
I think that the argument surrounding the first law of thermodynamics can hold some water. I think that all energy is recyclable from one form into another eventually. I think that the crude oil supply that we're so busy harvesting could in fact be recycled in a millenia or so if we let it. Just think where it came from to begin with!
But let's face it... we know there is a limit to the fuel we are using now because we need it in such large amounts. And because it can be found in large amounts has made it a favorite fuel source (not to mention how inexpensive it is). The price of fuel plays a huge part on why the USA hasn't invested in investigating alternative fuel sources because it has not been cost effective to do so. but now... with the rising gas prices, it's economic to research alternative means- NOT cheaper by any means. Having an electric car may be more expensive than a gas powered one... but if the cost of gasoline and electric powered vehicles is the same... the "greener" source may be used instead.
Alissa - don't forget the 2nd Law of Thermodynamics!
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