Unit 2 Lesson 4 Flashcards
Renewable Resource
An energy source that can be easily reproduced or replaced by nature
Replaced at the same rate or greater than the rate they are used
Less impact on nature
Example: ☀️ , 💨 , 🌳 , 💧
Nonrenewable resource
An energy source that cannot be produced, grown or restored as fast as it is used
Can cause environmental harm
Example: coal, oil, natural gas, minerals, soil
Energy
Energy Source
The capacity to do work
An available source of stored energy
Fossil fuels
Energy resources made from remains of ancient plants and animals buried under layers of earth
Heat and pressure from sediment converted the remains to fossil fuels
Takes millions of years to form
Extracted from earth by mining or drilling
Emissions can pollute the air
What are some fossil fuels?
Coal - sedimentary rock formed from dead plants at the bottom of swamps
Natural Gas - gases that become trapped in rock formations (methane). Burns more cleanly than other fossil fuels but still produces CO2
Petroleum - formed from the remains of single-celled aquatic organisms. Can spill and pollute soil and harm wildlife
Alternative Energy Sources
Solar energy - from the sun (renewable). New technology is needed
Nuclear energy (nonrenewable)- produces radioactive waste which is hazardous
Hydroelectric - produced by large volumes of falling water (renewable)
Wind energy - (renewable) but disrupts bird flight paths and may be noisy
Geothermal energy - from heat stored within earth near hot springs or volcanoes (renewable). Can be used only in certain areas
Energy from burning Biomass - living or recently dead organic material (renewable)
Sustainable
Capable of being maintained at a steady level without exhausting the resource or causing severe ecological damage
Acid Rain
Burning fossil fuels produces sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. They combine with water in the air then fall as rain
Damages trees, causes organisms in the oceans to die and wears away materials
