Earth Science Chapter 26 Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is a fuel?

Materials that cannot produce energy

Non-renewable resources only

Renewable sources of energy

Materials that are burned to produce heat or power (correct)

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?

The cleanest burning type of coal Signup and view all the answers

What is biomass fuel?

Any fuel derived from living things Signup and view all the answers

What is petroleum?

Stored energy originally came from the sun Signup and view all the answers

What is geothermal energy?

Energy produced by naturally occurring steam and hot water Signup and view all the answers

What is biogas?

A mixture of gases produced in a digester that includes 50 to 70 percent methane gas Signup and view all the answers

What is gasohol?

A mixture of gasoline and ethanol Signup and view all the answers

What is the R-value?

A rating that indicates the insulation abilities of building materials Signup and view all the answers

What is sustainable energy?

Global management of Earth's natural resources to meet current and future energy needs without causing environmental damage Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of energy in developing countries comes from renewable resources?

42% Signup and view all the answers

What is the main source of most energy on Earth?

The sun Signup and view all the answers

What is nuclear energy?

Energy that results when atoms of radioactive elements emit particles in the process known as fission Signup and view all the answers

The percentage of industrialized countries' energy use from oil is ____ percent.

37 Signup and view all the answers

The cleanest-burning type of coal is called ____.

anthracite Signup and view all the answers

A larger percentage of biomass use for energy in developing countries is ____ percent.

35 Signup and view all the answers

Match the following renewable energy sources:

Solar energy = Unlimited but needs practical solutions for storage Wind = Source of energy in areas with strong winds Geothermal energy = Energy from hot water and steam near the earth's surface Biomass = Fuel derived from living things Signup and view all the answers

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.
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.