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Discuss the words "energy conservation" as used (a) in this chapter and (b) in connection with an "energy crisis" (for example, turning off lights). How do these two usages differ?

Discuss the words "energy conservation" as used (a) in this chapter and (b) in connection with an "energy crisis" (for example, turning off lights). How do these two usages differ?

Grade:11

1 Answers

Aditi Chauhan
askIITians Faculty 396 Points
8 years ago
(a) In an isolated system in which only conservative forces act, any change in the total kinetic energy of the system must be balanced by an equal and opposite change in its potential energy, so that the sum of these changes is zero. Therefore the word “energy conservation” of a system signifies that, loss of energy of the system is zero. The energy can be converted from one form to another. Thus the sum of total energy, in this universe, is always same.
(b) The energy lost in one form is exactly equal to the energy gained in other form. According to relativistic concept matter and energy are inter-convertible. Thus law of conservation of energy contains conservation of matter in itself. The usage of the term depends on the perception of the term energy crises. If one perceives energy crises as the difference between the rates of production of energy against the rate of its consumption then energy conservation can be an appropriate term.Energy is useful in a sense that it highlights the amount of useful work that can be extracted while the energy conservation is useful in a sense that it highlights the rate at which the work has been extracted.

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