Out of the following which one is not a unconventional source of energy ?

Question

Examoogle · Accepted Answer

Nuclear energy

Explanation: Nuclear energy is classified as a conventional source of energy because it has been used for industrial-scale power generation for decades, similar to coal, oil, and gas. Unconventional sources (also known as renewable or non-conventional) are those that are still in developmental phases or have only recently been harnessed at scale, such as tidal, wind, and geothermal energy.

Working Principle: Nuclear power plants utilize controlled fission reactions. A heavy nucleus like $^{235}U$ is bombarded by a neutron, causing it to split into lighter nuclei, releasing immense heat energy and additional neutrons. This heat is used to produce steam, which drives a turbine connected to an electrical generator.

Key Formulas: $E = \Delta m c^2$ — Einstein's mass-energy equivalence describing the energy released during nuclear fission; $Q = mc\Delta T$ — Heat energy transfer principle applied in steam generation

Key Points: Conventional sources are characterized by established infrastructure and widespread usage.; Nuclear energy is distinct from renewable sources; it is a non-renewable but low-carbon conventional energy source.; The International Energy Agency classifies nuclear power as a mature commercial technology.

Advantages: High energy density compared to fossil fuels.; Provides stable base-load power unlike intermittent renewables.

Disadvantages: Generates radioactive waste requiring long-term storage.; Risk of nuclear accidents and high initial capital costs.

Applications: Base-load grid electricity supply.; Nuclear-powered marine propulsion (submarines/icebreakers).

Additional Info: Nuclear energy is often grouped with 'Commercial' energy sources in economic textbooks.. Tidal, Geothermal, and Wind are collectively termed 'Non-conventional' because their commercial adoption started significantly later and they rely on natural phenomena that are not depletion-based.

Answer: C is correct — Nuclear energy is considered a conventional source of energy due to its well-established, long-standing industrial use.

Exam Tip: In competitive exams, always differentiate between 'Non-conventional' (Renewable/Recent) and 'Conventional' (Non-renewable/Established) based on the historical deployment of the technology.

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