methane (CH4) Colorless, odorless, but flammable hydrocarbon gas that is the chief constituent (about 75 to 99 percent) of natural gas. It is non-toxic but works like an asphyxiant and is one of the major hothouse gases. Methane is converted into methanol by catalytic oxidation.
Types. Currently, there are two ways to produce nuclear energy, through the use of fission and fusion. Fission reactions are more easily controlled than fusion reactions. This is why all nuclear power plants use fission reactions to produce energy and electricity.Digital Vision./Photodisc/Getty Images. Fission. In nuclear power plants, the most widely used method to produce energy is through the use of fission.The idea of fission is to split atoms, usually uranium, in a nuclear reactor. When an atom splits, neutrons are released, the neutrons then strike other atoms and begin a chain reaction.his is why all nuclear power plants use fission reactions to produce energy and electricity. Digital Vision./Photodisc/Getty Images. Fission. In nuclear power plants, the most widely used method to produce energy is through the use of fission.
Potential energy. Potential energy is stored energy and the energy of position. Kinetic energy. Kinetic energy is the motion of waves, electrons, atoms, molecules, substances, and objects. Chemical energy is energy stored in the bonds of atoms and molecules. Batteries, biomass, petroleum, natural gas, and coal are examples of chemical energy. Chemical energy is converted to thermal energy when people burn wood in a fireplace or burn gasoline in a car's engine.