Grade 8
  1. Introduction to Physics  1.1. What is physics and its scope?  1.2. Applications of Physics in Advanced Technology  1.3. The role of experiments in physics  1.4. Physics in Engineering and Medicine  1.5. The scientific method and its refinements  1.6. Emerging areas in physics
  2. Measurement and units  2.1. Advanced Physical Quantities and Their Classification  2.2. SI units and standardized measurement systems  2.3. Precision instruments for length and mass measurement  2.4. Advanced Techniques in Time Measurement  2.5. Calculating Volume Using Mathematical Formulas  2.6. Density measurement and applications  2.7. Temperature measurement with thermometers and sensors  2.8. Error analysis and minimization of systematic errors  2.9. Estimation, Approximation and Scientific Notation
  3. Kinematics and dynamics  3.1. Motion and its types – rectilinear, circular and oscillatory  3.2. Difference between distance and displacement  3.3. Speed vs Velocity – Understanding their Difference  3.4. Acceleration and its real life applications  3.5. Graphical Analysis of Motion - Interpreting Motion Graphs  3.6. Equations of motion - derivation and applications  3.7. Free fall and gravitational acceleration  3.8. Effect of air resistance on falling objects
  4. Force and Newton's laws of motion  4.1. Introduction to forces and their effects  4.2. Balanced and unbalanced forces - their role in motion  4.3. Newton's First Law - Understanding Inertia  4.4. Newton's Second Law - Mathematical Applications in Acceleration  4.5. Newton's Third Law - Action and Reaction Forces in Daily Life  4.6. Friction - its types, effects and methods of reduction  4.7. Circular motion and centripetal force  4.8. Impulse and Momentum – Real Life Examples  4.9. Application of Newton's laws in automobiles and space travel
  5. Work, Energy and Power  5.1. The concept of work and its mathematical representation  5.2. Energy and its forms – kinetic, potential, mechanical and internal  5.3. Understanding the Work-Energy Theorem  5.4. Law of Conservation of Energy – Practical Applications  5.5. Power and its units - how it differs from energy  5.6. Methods for improving the efficiency of machines and reducing energy losses  5.7. Applications of renewable and non-renewable energy in daily life
  6. Pressure and its applications  6.1. Understanding pressure in solids  6.2. Pressure in Fluids - Pascal's Principle  6.3. Atmospheric pressure and barometer  6.4. Buoyancy and Archimedes' principle  6.5. Hydraulics and its applications  6.6. Variations in pressure at depth and in high-altitude environments
  7. Heat and temperature  7.1. Heat as a form of energy  7.2. Temperature measurement using advanced sensors  7.3. Thermal expansion of solids, liquids and gases  7.4. Specific heat capacity and its applications  7.5. Heat transfer - conduction, convection and radiation  7.6. Latent heat and phase changes of matter  7.7. Thermal balance and heat exchange in everyday life
  8. Lighting and Optics  8.1. Nature of light - wave and particle theory  8.2. Reflection - laws and applications in optical instruments  8.3. Refraction and Snell's Law  8.4. Lenses - Uses in Image Formation and Corrective Lenses  8.5. Optical instruments – microscope, telescope and camera  8.6. Dispersion of light and colour formation  8.7. Total internal reflection - fibre optics and mirage creation  8.8. Human Eye and Vision Defects - Nearsightedness, Farsightedness and Astigmatism
  9. Sound and waves  9.1. Wave motion - characteristics and classification  9.2. Properties of sound - speed, pitch and intensity  9.3. Reflection and absorption of sound – echo and reverberation  9.4. Doppler effect and its applications  9.5. Ultrasound and sonography in medicine  9.6. Noise pollution and its prevention
  10. Electricity and Magnetism  10.1. Static electricity and electric charge  10.2. Electric current - conductors and insulators  10.3. Ohm's Law and Resistance  10.4. Series and Parallel Circuits – Differences and Applications  10.5. Electrical power and energy calculations  10.6. Safety measures in handling electricity  10.7. Magnetism - Properties and Field Lines  10.8. Electromagnetic Induction - Faraday's Law and Applications  10.9. Transformers and their use in electric power distribution
  11. Space science and universe  11.1. Solar System - Formation and Components  11.2. The Sun - structure, energy production and solar flares  11.3. Moon - effect of its gravity on the Earth  11.4. Eclipses – Solar and Lunar  11.5. Planets - Structure, Atmosphere and Moons  11.6. Satellites - artificial and natural  11.7. Gravity in space and its effect on astronauts  11.8. Theories of black holes and the expanding universe  11.9. Space Exploration - Rockets, Rovers and Space Stations
  12. Nuclear physics and modern applications  12.1. Structure of atom - protons, neutrons and electrons  12.2. Radioactivity - types and sources  12.3. Half-life and radioactive decay  12.4. The use of radioisotopes in medicine and industry  12.5. Nuclear fission and fusion – electricity generation
  13. Environmental Physics  13.1. Impact of energy consumption on the environment  13.2. Global warming and climate change - physics perspective  13.3. Sustainable energy – solar, wind and hydroelectric power  13.4. Role of Physics in Weather Forecasting  13.5. Physics of Natural Disasters - Earthquakes, Tsunamis and Tornadoes

Grade 8 → Work, Energy and Power ↓


Applications of renewable and non-renewable energy in daily life


Introduction

Energy is an essential part of our daily lives. It powers our homes, fuels our vehicles, and runs our machines. We use two main types of energy sources: renewable and non-renewable. Understanding how we use these energy types can help us make better choices about how we produce and consume energy.

Renewable energy

Renewable energy comes from sources that naturally replenish themselves, such as the sun, wind, water and plants. Let's look at some examples of how we use them in our daily lives.

Solar energy

Solar energy comes from the sun. It can be converted into electricity or heat. We use solar panels to collect sunlight and convert it into electricity for our homes and appliances.

Example: On sunny days, solar panels can generate enough energy to run lights, fans, and other small appliances.

Wind energy

Wind energy is harnessed through wind turbines. The wind turns the turbine's blades, which spin a generator to create electricity.

Example: In windy areas, wind turbines can generate enough energy to supply power to an entire community.

Hydropower

Hydropower uses the energy of flowing water to produce electricity. Dams are often built on large rivers to create reservoirs that provide a flow of water to turn turbines.

Example: Hydroelectric power is used to provide a significant portion of clean, renewable electricity in many places.

Biomass

Biomass is organic matter that comes from plants and animals. We can burn biomass to produce heat or convert it into biofuel for vehicles.

Example: Many cultures around the world burn wood and other plant materials to cook food or heat homes.

Non-renewable energy

Non-renewable energy comes from sources that cannot be replenished in a human lifetime. These include fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas.

Coal

Coal is a black, solid fossil fuel used primarily for electricity production. It is burned in power plants to create steam, which turns turbines to produce electricity.

Example: Coal-fired power stations provide electricity to many parts of the world, especially industrial areas.

Oil

Oil is a liquid fossil fuel used primarily for transportation. It is refined into various products such as gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel.

Example: Cars, buses and airplanes are powered by oil products, making it a vital part of modern transportation systems.

Natural gas

Natural gas is a fossil fuel that is in a gaseous state. It is used for heating, cooking, and electricity generation. It burns cleaner than coal and oil but still contributes to carbon emissions.

Example: Many homes use natural gas for heating and cooking, providing a convenient and reliable energy source.

Comparison of renewable and non-renewable energy

Both renewable and non-renewable energy sources are essential in today's world. However, they have different impacts on the environment and sustainability.

Environmental impact

Renewable energy sources like solar and wind power have minimal impact on the environment. They cause little or no pollution and help reduce carbon footprint.

Example: Installing a solar energy system can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Non-renewable energy sources such as coal and oil release harmful pollutants into the air and contribute to global warming.

Example: Burning coal in power plants emits sulfur dioxide and mercury into the atmosphere, causing air pollution.

Sustainability

Renewable energy sources are sustainable, which means they can be used without depleting natural resources. They use the Earth's natural cycles, such as sunlight and wind flow.

Example: A wind farm can provide electricity continuously as long as the wind blows.

Non-renewable sources are limited and will eventually be exhausted. Dependence on these sources poses a risk to energy security in the future.

Example: Oil reserves are slowly being depleted due to increased global consumption.

Energy conversion

Energy can change from one form to another. This concept is fundamental in understanding how energy is used in work, energy, and power.

Changes linked to renewable energy

For example, in solar energy:

Solar Energy (sunlight) --> Electrical Energy (via solar panels)

In wind energy:

Kinetic Energy (wind) --> Mechanical Energy (turbine blades) --> Electrical Energy (generator)

Changes linked to non-renewable energy

In a coal based power plant:

Chemical Energy (coal) --> Thermal Energy (heat from combustion) --> Mechanical Energy (steam turbine) --> Electrical Energy (generator)

In car engines that use gasoline:

Chemical Energy (gasoline) --> Thermal Energy (combustion) --> Mechanical Energy (engine power)

Role of work, energy and power

Work, energy and power are key concepts in physics that help us understand how machines and engines make tasks easier. Let's see how these relate to both renewable and non-renewable energy.

Understanding the work

Work is done when a force moves an object a certain distance. The formula for work is:

Work = Force × Distance

Example: When the wind turns the blades of a wind turbine, it is doing work on the blades.

Understanding energy

Energy is the capacity to do work. It is measured in joules (J) and can exist in different forms such as kinetic or potential energy.

Example: The sun provides solar energy, which is a form of energy that can be converted into electricity.

Understanding power

Power is the rate at which work is done or energy is transferred. It is measured in watts (W), where 1 watt is equal to 1 joule per second.

Power = Work / Time

Example: A solar panel generates electricity at a fixed rate which is measured in watts.

Conclusion

Both renewable and non-renewable energy sources play a vital role in our daily lives. Understanding their applications helps us understand the importance of energy efficiency and conservation in making sustainable choices for the future. By using both types of energy wisely, we can work towards a cleaner and more sustainable world.


Grade 8 → 5.7


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Applications of renewable and non-renewable energy in daily life

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