Solar Energy Forces There are four forces in

Solar Energy

Forces • There are four forces in nature • Strong force – holds atomic nuclei together. Source of energy for nuclear. • Weak force – holds neutrons together • Gravity – weak but works over long distances • Electromagnetic force – holds atoms together

Forces • All energy and all movement derive from these forces • What is solar energy? Thermonuclear – Hydrogen fusion to Helium. Releases strong force energy

Solar Energy Can be used directly – sun through a window Or indirectly – to generate electricity

Get This. Solar energy powers • The Wind • The Water Cycle • Photosynthesis – nearly all energy that moves through ecosystems including fossil fuels

Passive Solar Heating and cooling • Northern hemisphere – south facing receives more solar energy • In summer sun is higher in the sky • In winter the sun is lower in the sky Wupatki - Arizona

Mesa Verde Cliff Dwellings

Active Solar Heating • Solar energy used to heat water • 8%

Electricity generation using solar • Generation using steam turbines. • Use mirrors to heat water to boiling. • Use steam to turn a turbine

Electricity generation using solar • Photovoltaics • Certain combinations of substances emit small amounts of electricity when struck by a photon

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Solar • Clean • Becoming less expensive • Becoming more efficient • Does not require a distribution system