Final answer:
The composition of Earth includes a variety of materials, with energy resources derived from different forms of potential and kinetic energy. Solar energy is a significant and abundant resource, though renewable energy distribution is uneven across the planet. Additionally, other energy sources such as fossil fuels and nuclear power present various challenges.
Step-by-step explanation:
The composition of our planet and potential resources for energy is quite diverse. On Earth, we find a variety of materials, including heavy elements like iron and silicon which contrast to the hydrogen-dominated composition found in the Sun and gas giants like Jupiter and Saturn. The energy resources on Earth come from a mix of potential and kinetic energy sources. While the planet's matter consists mainly of solid, liquid, and gaseous forms of elements and compounds, the potential energy resources are found in chemical bonds, nuclear forces, and gravitational fields.
For example, the solar energy received by the Earth is vastly abundant. The sun delivers the solar energy equivalent of the world's conventional oil reserves in just 1.5 days. However, the geographical distribution of usable renewable energy, such as sunlight, wind, and hydroelectric potential, is uneven, which influences where and how these resources can be harnessed.
Aside from renewable resources, matter on Earth can also be transformed into energy through chemical reactions, as in the case of burning fossil fuels, or nuclear reactions, such as in nuclear power plants. However, these processes come with various environmental and logistical challenges that need to be considered.