Science Unit 6 Lesson 5

Question 1

What is fossil feuls?

Answer 1

A fuel (such as coal, crude oil, or natural gas) that is formed in the earth from dead plants or animals

Question 2

What is the BTU?

Answer 2

stands for British thermal unit, the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit

Question 3

How did the usement of coal in steam engines make life easier?

Answer 3

• Steam engines powered steam locomotives, enabling the transport of goods over land to distant markets.
• Steam engines were also used in factories and mills that had traditionally relied solely on wind and water power, and thus had to be located near to a wind source or a river.
• More factories resulted in an increased amount of goods and increased profits for businesses.
• Additionally, people did not have to travel as far to purchase goods. They were able to purchase a greater variety of goods that could be produced and sold more locally.

Question 4

How was coal used in the 1880s for electricity?

Answer 4

• The use of coal to generate electricity has had a significant
  impact on human activity.
• In the 1880s, the burning of coal was used for the generation
  of electricity used in factories and homes. This changed the
  way humans lived. Coal-generated electricity allowed for
  effective lighting after sunset. This allowed people to be more
  productive after dark. People could work longer hours,
  producing more and earning more.

Question 5

How is coal used today?

Answer 5

Today, coal’s main use is to generate electricity. It is the second-largest energy source for electricity generation in the United States

Question 6

Today, how does coal produce electricity?

Answer 6

By burning coal, steam is produced and used to turn turbines. The turning turbines generate electricity. This electricity continues to make human activity more efficient and productive.

Question 7

How do steel companies use coal?

Answer 7

Steel industries use this coal coke in combination with iron ore to make steel.

Question 8

How is coal coke made?

Answer 8

Coal coke is made when coal is baked in
furnaces until it becomes carbon

Question 9

Over __% of steel made today includes the use of coal.

Answer 9

70

Question 10

How has the use of coal to produce steel impacted human activity?

Answer 10

People have developed ways to use steel to reinforce concrete, which has led to more secure dwellings.

Question 11

Knowing that coal is one of the largest causes of climate change, what is the environmental impact of steel?

Answer 11

Since the majority of steel uses coal in its production, steel has a negative impact on the environment.

Question 12

Think about ways coal is used today. What is one way coal is used to produce or make something you encounter in everyday life?

Answer 12

Coal is used to produce steel. Many buildings you visit daily are made from steel frames, which are produced, in part, from coal.

Question 13

Why is natural gas considered a clean?

Answer 13

it is a much cleaner-burning fossil fuel than coal. It emits less carbon dioxide and other harmful emissions into the atmosphere.

Question 14

How is natural gas used in homes?

Answer 14

Natural gas is used in home furnaces and water heaters. It is also used as a fuel for cooking in stoves, ovens, and grills. There are clothes dryers that are powered by natural gas.

Question 15

How is natural gas used in business?

Answer 15

Martial gas is used to generate electricity for cooling equipment, refrigeration, cooking, and outdoor lighting. Business owners can power large refrigeration units more efficiently with natural gas than with other energy sources?

Question 16

How is natural gas used in transportation?

Answer 16

There are vehicles which use natural gas as a fuel. Interestingly, natural gas is used in the transportation of natural gas. Natural gas is used to fuel compressors. Compressors are used to push natural gas through pipelines.

Question 17

What is the largest source for energy consumption in the United States?

Answer 17

Petroleum (crude oil)

Question 18

In the past petroleum was used for what?

Answer 18

• The first oil well was drilled in 1859. They wanted to find a replacement for kerosene.
• The invention of the automobile increased the use of petroleum.
• The availability of petroleum allowed for massive expansion of the number of cars, trucks, and planes during WWI.

Question 19

What is petroleum used for now?

Answer 19

• Plastics made from petroleum have influenced the way humans store and package their foods making them last longer.
• Availability of petroleum has decreased transportation costs making travel more accessible.

Question 20

How will petroleum be used in the future?

Answer 20

In the future, petroleum consumption is expected to decline, however it will still be the leading energy source in the United States for years to come.

Question 21

Petroleum accounts for ? of energy consumption in the United States.

Answer 21

37%

Question 22

How do fossil fuels help farmers?

Answer 22

As the availability of fossil fuels increased, farmers were able to use them to power new farm machinery. This led to faster harvesting and less crop loss. In addition, new irrigation techniques were enabled by the use of fossil fuels. Availability of fossil fuels helped automate the irrigation process and ultimately helped increase agricultural production. More production means more food available to people. This availability means that fewer people grow their own food.

Question 23

What fossil fuels are plastic made of?

Answer 23

Petroleum and natural gas

Question 24

What part does plastic play in the food industry?

Answer 24

Much of our food is packaged in plastic. Plastic is derived from petroleum and natural gas. It preserves food as it travels to local grocery stores and markets. The availability of fossil fuels has increased the ability to store food for longer periods of time. Longer product life means less waste, which ultimately saves money for consumers.