Energy Part 1 Flashcards
What is the definition of energy?
The capacity to do work
What is the definition of power?
The rate of the flow of energy
What is the definition of calorie?
The energy used to heat 1 ml of water 1 degree celsius
What is the definition of joule?
It’s the unit for energy
What is the definition of kinetic energy?
Energy of motion
What is the definition of potential energy?
Stored energy
What is the definition of renewable energy?
Energy sources replenished by natural processes
What is the definition of non-renewable energy?
Materials that are available in fixed amounts (according to a human time frame)
What are fossil fuels?
Remains of living material that has decomposed
How does oil form?
Dead plankton is compacted in sand or mud
What is oil mostly used for?
Transportation and heating
Where is most of the world’s oil?
The Persian gulf
OPEC has what fraction of the world’s oil?
2/3
Current methods extract how much oil?
35%
What are the 3 main issues with using oil as an energy source?
Oil spills, pollution, foreign trade
Separation of crude oil is based on what?
Boiling points
What is the “cleaner” form of oil?
Propane
What is the “dirtier” form of oil?
Crude oil
What did the oil embargo in the 70s lead to?
Energy conservation and design efficiency
What are 3 reasons oil use is on the decline?
SUV popularity has gone down, ethanol blend requirements, increased use of natural gas
What is fusion?
The opposite of fission
Where is fusion used?
Sun, h-bombs
What is fusion’s fuel?
Deuterium and tritium
Does fusion produce more or less energy than what is used?
Less
How does active solar energy work?
PV cells convert solar energy to electric current by separating electrons from atoms
Where do electrons go in active solar energy?
From the anion to the cation
How does passive solar energy work?
Thermal mass/ energy storing material converts solar shortwaves to infrared long waves
Where is passive solar most efficient?
South facing windows with a roof overhang
How does concentrated/ high temp solar power work?
Parabolic mirrors concentrate energy on central intense point
Where does methane hydrate come from?
CH4 molecules trapped in ice
1m of CH4 makes how much natural gas?
164m
Where is methane hydrate found?
Permafrost, ocean floor
What is an advantage of methane hydrate?
It’s an abundant source of natural gas
What’s a disadvantage of methane hydrate?
It encourages climate change
How is ethanol produced?
By the anaerobic digestion of sugary plants
Which 2 plants are commonly grown for ethanol?
Corn and sugarcane
Why are 2 pros of ethanol?
Reduces CO emissions, renewable
What are 4 disadvantages of ethanol?
Lower mpg efficiency, habitat loss, monoculture, CO2 emissions
Where is biodiesel from?
Veggie oil/ waste fat
How is biodiesel made?
Oil is combined with methanol and creates fatty acid methylesters and glycerol
What are 3 pros of biodiesel?
Nontoxic, biodegradable, no sulfur emissions
What are 2 cons of biodiesel?
More NOx emissions, viscosity issues in cold weather
What is an ion?
An atom with a weird number of electrons
What is a cathode?
Positive electrode
What is an anode?
Negative electrode
How do fuel cells work?
Negative electrons travel from the anode to cathode
What is the fuel for fuel cells?
Hydrogen
What is the waste from fuel cells?
Pure water
What are 3 pros of fuel cells?
Small, efficient, no greenhouse gases
What is a disadvantage of fuel cells?
Hydrogen is flammable
