College Physics II – Mechanics, Sound, Oscillations, and Waves
Definition
Geothermal energy is the thermal energy generated and stored in the Earth. It is a renewable source of energy harnessed for electricity production, heating, and other uses.
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Geothermal energy comes from the heat within the Earth's core, primarily from radioactive decay and residual heat from the planet's formation.
The process of extracting geothermal energy involves tapping into underground reservoirs of steam and hot water to drive turbines connected to electricity generators.
Geothermal power plants have high capacity factors, meaning they can produce electricity consistently, unlike some other renewable sources such as solar or wind.
The efficiency of a geothermal power plant depends on the temperature of the geothermal resource; higher temperatures result in more efficient energy conversion.
Geothermal energy is considered sustainable because it draws on virtually inexhaustible thermal resources with minimal environmental impact compared to fossil fuels.
Review Questions
What are the primary sources of geothermal energy within the Earth's core?
How does a geothermal power plant generate electricity?
Why is geothermal energy considered a sustainable source of power?
Related terms
Thermal Energy: The internal energy present in a system due to its temperature.
Capacity Factor: A measure of how often an electrical generator operates at full capacity over a specific period.
Renewable Energy: Energy from sources that are naturally replenishing but flow-limited; they are virtually inexhaustible in duration but limited in the amount of energy available per unit time.