Fossil Fuels / Alternative Energy Flashcards
coal
a solid fossil fuel used for generating electricity by burning it. It is formed in ancient swamps from the remains of plants and animals under great heat and pressure over millions of years.
Coal looks like a black rock, but unlike a rock is organic matter and can be burned for fuel.
oil / petroleum
a liquid fossil fuel formed in oceans from the remains of plants and animals under great heat and pressure over millions of years.
Oil is used to create many fuels that power motor vehicles such as cars, trucks and airplanes. It can also be used to manufacture other items like plastic.
natural gas
a fossil fuel in the gas form. It is formed with oil and can be harvested at the same time.
Natural gas is used to heat homes, power gas grills, stoves and ovens.
fossil fuels
Coal, oil and natural gas. These are non-renewable resources that form underground over millions of years from the remains of plants and animals under great heat and pressure.
Fossil fuels are burned for energy in the production of electricity and powering motor vehicles.
nonrenewable resources
resources that take so long to be replaced that we will use them faster than they can be renewed.
Coal, oil, natural gas, and precious metals and gems are nonrenewable resources. Coal, oil, and natural gas are considered nonrenewable fuels.
renewable resources
resources found in nature that can be replaced in a relatively short amount of time.
Soil, Oxygen, Animals, Plants and water are renewable resources. Use the acronym S.O.A.P. and Water to help you remember them.
alternative energy
Alternative energy resources are energy choices we have that use resources from nature to replace the use of fossil fuels.
The most common alternative energy resources are wind, solar, hydroelectric, geothermal, and bio-fuels.
wind energy
using the energy of wind to turn a turbine to generate electricity.
Wind energy is only a useful choice in places where the wind blows regularly and constantly. Mountains and coast lines are great places to use wind energy.
solar energy
The use of solar panels to store the energy from the sun to convert it into electricity.
Solar energy as an alternative energy resource is only useful in areas where the sun shines regularly and constantly.
hydroelectric energy
The energy in moving water used to turn a turbine which generates electricity.
Hydroelectric energy is only useful in areas with large bodies of moving water, like rivers and oceans.
geothermal energy
energy that uses the heat from inside the earth to heat water and create steam. The pressure of the steam turns a turbine to generate electricity.
Geothermal energy is only useful in areas where the Earth’s heat is close to the surface.
bio-fuels
the use of corn, soybeans and other plants to create a petroleum-like substance used to power motor vehicles
Bio-fuels are useful in areas where fertile soil is available for growing crops. Bio-fuels can be transported to other areas.
