How many primary sources of energy do we have?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the identification of primary sources of energy on Earth, exploring theoretical and conceptual frameworks. Participants propose various sources and their interrelations, including solar, geological, and gravitational influences.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant identifies three primary sources of energy: the Sun (nuclear fusion), the Earth (nuclear fission), and the Moon (gravitational force), suggesting that all other sources are secondary.
  • Another participant argues that all energy sources are ultimately derived from the Sun, emphasizing the importance of gravitational influence in the formation of Earth.
  • A different viewpoint posits that all heavier particles are products of nuclear fusion from stars, proposing that nuclear fusion could be considered the singular primary source of energy.
  • One participant challenges the classification of nuclear fission as a primary source, stating that it is not directly related to stellar processes.
  • Another participant introduces wind as a potential "3.5th" source, noting its solar dependence and connection to Earth's rotation and tides.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express multiple competing views regarding the classification and number of primary energy sources, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Some claims depend on definitions of "primary source," and there are unresolved assumptions regarding the classification of energy sources based on their origins.

mios76
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I think we have 3 primary sources on the Earth.

1st – Sun (nuclear fusion)
Coal, oil, water dam – it would not exist without the Sun

2nd – Earth (nuclear fission)
Hot geysers

3rd – Moon (gravitational force)
When it moves ocean waters

Anything else is just a secondary energy source.

There could be 4th source of energy in the future. Annihilation of matter.

What do you think?
 
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If you want to differentiate between those that are a result of the sun in the first place and those that aren't... they all are. Earth would never have existed if the majority of the original cloud had not exerted enough gravitational influence to allow it to coalesce.
 
I see. Every particle heavier than hydrogen is a product of a nuclear fusion of a star, which existed before our Sun. The heaviest particles were created during that explosion.

So, I could say that there is the only one primary source of energy – nuclear fusion.
 
Nuclear fission reactors do not have a source recently related to a star. Nuclear fusion on Earth would also not be Sun based nuclear fusion.
 
Wind is a 3.5th. It is mostly solar powered, but the general orientation of winds comes from Earth rotation. Also interrelated with tides.
 

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