(A) Examine the role of nuclear energy in meeting growing demand of power.

(i) Nuclear energy is obtained by altering the structure of atoms.

(ii) When such an alteration is made, much energy is released in the form of heat and this is used to generate electric power.

(iii) Uranium and Thorium, which are available in Jharkhand and the Aravalli ranges of Rajasthan are used for generating nuclear power.

(iv) The Monazite sands of Kerala are also rich in Thorium.

(v) Nuclear energy is also used in industrial applications and in cancer treatment.

(vi) Nuclear energy is also used for defence purposes.

(B) Examine potential of geothermal energy as a renewal power source.

(i) Geothermal energy uses heat from the interior of the Earth to produce heat and electricity.

(ii) Geothermal energy exists because the Earth grows progressively hotter with increasing depth.

(iii) The temperature of the Earth increases with depth (geothermal gradient) creating high temperatures at shallow depths in some areas.

(iv) Groundwater absorbs heat from hot rocks in such regions and becomes extremely hot.

(v) When this hot water rises to the surface, it turns into steam, which can be used to drive turbines and generate electricity.

(vi) India has several hundred hot springs, indicating good potential for generating electricity using geothermal energy.

(vii) Experimental geothermal projects have been set up in India such as in Parvati Valley near Manikaran and Puga Valley to harness this renewable energy.