Questions and Answers
What is a fuel?
What is peat?
A fuel that is cut from bogs and dried in the sun
What are fossil fuels?
Energy sources formed over geological time as a result of the compression and partial decomposition of organic matter
What is anthracite?
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What is biomass fuel?
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What is petroleum?
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What is geothermal energy?
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What is biogas?
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What is gasohol?
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What is the R-value?
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What is sustainable energy?
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What percentage of energy in developing countries comes from renewable resources?
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What is the main source of most energy on Earth?
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What is nuclear energy?
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The percentage of industrialized countries' energy use from oil is ____ percent.
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The cleanest-burning type of coal is called ____.
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A larger percentage of biomass use for energy in developing countries is ____ percent.
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Match the following renewable energy sources:
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Study Notes
Energy Sources and Types
- Fuel: Materials burned to produce heat or power.
- Peat: A fuel cut from bogs and dried in the sun.
- Fossil Fuel: Energy sources like coal, oil, and natural gas, formed from the compression and decomposition of organic matter over geological time.
- Anthracite: The cleanest and most efficient type of coal with carbon concentrations up to 95%.
- Biomass Fuel: Fuel derived from living organisms; includes wood and agricultural waste, serving as a renewable energy source for centuries.
- Petroleum: Energy stored originating from the sun, widely used for various applications.
Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Practices
- Energy Efficiency: Utilizing energy in productive ways to require fewer resources for greater energy output.
- Sustainable Energy: Management of natural resources to meet present and future energy needs without harming the environment.
- R-value: A rating indicating the insulation abilities of building materials, crucial for energy efficiency in construction.
Renewable and Alternative Energy Resources
- Photovoltaic Cell: Devices that convert solar energy into electrical energy using transparent wafers.
- Geothermal Energy: Produced by naturally occurring steam or hot water, dependent on proximity to Earth's surface.
- Biogas: A digestible gas mixture, consisting of 50-70% methane and 30-48% carbon dioxide, generated in digesters.
- Gasohol: A mix of gasoline and ethanol suitable for conventional engines.
Energy Production Techniques
- Cogeneration: The simultaneous production of two usable energy forms from a single process, enhancing efficiency and reducing energy waste.
- Hydroelectric Power: Derived from moving water, extensively used for electricity generation.
Environmental Impact and Concerns
- Greenhouse Gases: Nuclear power plants do not release any greenhouse gases.
- Pollution: Burning fossil fuels, including coal and petroleum, emits sulfur and contributes to air pollution.
Energy Use Statistics
- Renewable Resource Usage: Developing countries rely on renewable resources for 42% of their energy needs, primarily biomass, compared to 10% in industrialized nations.
- Biomass Contribution: Accounts for 35% of energy use in developing countries.
Specific Case Studies
- Hawaii's Biomass Use: Generates approximately 10% of its electrical supply from burning biomass fuel.
- U.S. Wind Farm Potential: North Dakota, South Dakota, and Texas have ideal conditions for wind farms, capable of meeting substantial energy demands.
Historical Context
- Nuclear Energy: U.S. nuclear energy growth halted after 1978 due to safety concerns and management issues post-Three Mile Island accident in 1979.
- Oil Shale and Tar Sands: Contain secondary oil resources, but extraction costs are typically higher than crude oil.
Additional Concepts
- Solar Energy: An unlimited source requiring advances in technology for efficient collection and storage.
- Active Solar Heating Systems: Use solar panels and pumps to distribute collected solar energy throughout buildings.
Energy Composition
- Carbon Concentration: Cleaner burning of coal is associated with higher carbon concentrations; anthracite being the highest.
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Coal Types:
- Lignite: Peat compressed further, with a carbon concentration of around 40%.
- Bituminous Coal: Most abundant in the U.S., with carbon concentrations as high as 85%.
General Energy Statistics
- Oil Dependency: 37% of energy usage in industrialized countries comes from oil.
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Description
Explore key terms and definitions from Earth Science Chapter 26 with these interactive flashcards. Learn about important concepts such as fuels, peat, and fossil fuels in a concise format to enhance your understanding of energy sources and their impact.