Question

Which of the following is the least polluting source of energy
1. Coal
2. Petrol
3. Sun
4. Nuclear power plant

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 3 : Sun

Concept:

• Energy is required for all activities.
• It is needed to cook, to provide light and heat, to propel vehicles and to drive machinery in industries.
• Energy can be generated from fuel minerals like coal, petroleum, natural gas, uranium and electricity.
• Energy resources can be classified as conventional and non-conventional sources.
• Conventional sources include firewood, cattle dung cake, coal, petroleum, natural gas and electricity (both hydel and thermal).
• Non-conventional sources include solar, wind, tidal, geothermal, biogas and atomic energy.
• Energy sources can also be classified as renewable(that can be regenerated) and non-renewable (cannot be regenerated)

Explanation:

• Coal and petrol on burning produce a huge amount of heat which is used as an entry source
• This process of producing energy also release a number of gases into the atmosphere and hence causes pollution
• Nuclear power plant use high energy(unstable) atoms to produce energy
• These unstable atoms are very energetic and if not handled properly can cause tremendous radioactive pollution
• Sun on the other hand is a non-polluting source of energy as heat from the sun is converted to electrical energy using photovoltaic devices.

∴ Sun is the least polluting source of energy