Energy Resources

This textbook deals with the physics and chemistry of energy resources, bringing together material having to do with a wide range of resources - coal gas, oil, hydropower, and nuclear. After a brief introduction to the concepts of force, work, and energy the book discusses energy resources: specifically, the worldwide reserves of fossil fuels, the uses to which these fuels are put, and the conversion of fuels into other forms - such as the conversion of coal to gas or liquid fuels. This is followed by discussions of electric power and of nuclear, solar, geothermal and other methods for generating electricity. The discussion then turns to the uses of energy in agriculture, transportation and so forth, and the pollution that accompanies these uses. The book concludes with discussions of energy conservation and projections of energy supplies for the future. Intended for a general-education course in natural sciences, it will also be useful for teachers of science in high schools. The presentation assumes no prior knowledge of physics or chemistry, but it includes the necessary background information where needed.