energy resources Flashcards
Natural resources
any natural material that is used by humans, such as water, petroleum, minerals, forests, and animals.
Renewable Resource
a resource of which there is an endless supply because it can be replenished
Nonrenewable Resource
Once these resources are used up, they cannot be replaced, coal, natural gas, oil, and nuclear energy
fossil fuel
made from decomposing plants and animals.contains carbon and hydrogen, which can be burned for energy. Coal, oil, and natural gas are examples of fossil fuels
Nuclear Fission
In nuclear fission, atoms are split apart, which releases energy.
Nuclear fusion
Nuclear fusion is the process by which two light atomic nuclei combine to form a single heavier one while releasing massive amounts of energy.
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle
A hydrogen vehicle is a vehicle that uses hydrogen fuel for motive power. `
Solar Energy
radiant energy emitted by the sun.
Wind Energy
power obtained by harnessing the energy of the wind.
Hydroelectric energy
a form of energy that harnesses the power of water in motion—such as water flowing over a waterfall—to generate electricity
biomass
renewable organic material that comes from plants and animals
gasohol
a mixture of gasoline and ethyl alcohol used as fuel in internal combustion engines.
geothermal energy
heat within the earth.
Petroleum
a liquid mixture of hydrocarbons that is present in certain rock strata and can be extracted and refined to produce fuels including gasoline, kerosene, and diesel oil
Natural Gas
a fossil energy source that formed deep beneath the earth’s surface.
coal
a combustible black or dark brown rock consisting mainly of carbonized plant matter, found mainly in underground deposits and widely used as fuel.
propane
a flammable hydrocarbon gas of the alkane series, present in natural gas and used as bottled fuel.
Tidal Energy
power produced by the surge of ocean waters during the rise and fall of tides
wave energy
form of renewable energy that can be harnessed from the motion of the waves
smog
air pollution that reduces visibility
Acid Precipitation
any form of precipitation with acidic components, such as sulfuric or nitric acid that fall to the ground from the atmosphere in wet or dry forms
Recycling
the action or process of converting waste into reusable material.
