Question

What are some advantages and disadvantages of using natural gas vs. oil as energy sources? Suggest an alternative energy source to petroleum and natural gas. Can we afford not to use nuclear energy? What are some pros and cons?

Answer 1

Natural gas is less harmful as compared to other fossil fuels like coal, oil, petroleum etc and releases less carbon dioxide. Natural gas can be stored and transported easily. It is used in residential use like cooking, heating water etc. Compressed natural gas is also used for transport. It is widely used in industrial production. Natural gas is also cheaper than other fossil fuels.

The main disadvantage of natural gas is that processing of natural gas is a complex process. It is also toxic and easily catches fire. It also releases carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide etc. which are harmful for the environment. Natural gas is also non-renewable source of energy.

Solar energy is an alternative energy source to petroleum and natural gas. Other alternative energy sources are wind energy, biomass energy, tidal energy, geothermal energy.

Nuclear energy produces less greenhouse emissions as compared to other conventional sources of energy. Nuclear energy is more powerful than energy from other fossil fuels. For this reason, it is widely used worldwide.

However, radioactive wastes produced during nuclear energy production are very harmful. Nuclear energy production is also very costly. It is also a non-renewable source of energy.