Jane And Alfred: A Field Trip To Ontario Science Center

Jane and Alfred are with their teacher and the rest of their class on a field trip to the Ontario science centre. While there, they come across an exhibition dedicated to fossil fuels, their effects, the fact that it is running out and hope for the future thanks to renewable sources of energy such as solar and wind.

Alfred: Why are fossil fuels so important?

Teacher: Because not too long ago, the world was driven by fossil fuels. They were great sources of energy. Unfortunately, they were also deplete-able as most jewels. Fuels involve the breaking down of chemical bonds, a process which requires energy. This type of chemical reaction is an endothermic (Where energy is absorbed). At the end of the reaction, the energy of the product(s)

Common sources include the wind and the sun.

Teacher: Yes Jane, that is indeed true. In fact, the wind and sun contribute to 3% of Ontario’s electricity supply. Since they are everyday constants, they are sustainable. However, with every good comes bad. (Kukeja, R, 2016)

Alfred: What do you mean, teacher?

Teacher: Renewable energy sources are reliable but cannot produce large amounts making them vulnerable. Sunlight and winds are quite unpredictable. (Kukreja, R, 2016)

Jane: These sources of energy also help the environment because they are less harmful to the ozone layer. Fossil fuels produce green-house gases which are harming our ozone layer. The use of the sun and wind as energy sources is limiting the use of fossil fuels. (Kukreja, R, 2016)

Alfred: But how exactly does the sun provide energy for us all?

Teacher: Solar panels absorb heat from the sunlight which is then converted into thermal solar energy. This thermal energy is used to make electricity from heat and light. This is the chemical reactions that take place during the conversion of solar energy. Wind turbines also work to capture energy from winds. (Locke, S, 2008)

Alfred: what could be a good substitute for our everyday petroleum