Energy Resources and Consumption Overview
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Questions and Answers

What are the three types of fossil fuels?

Coal, oil, and natural gas

Which of the following is NOT a type of coal?

  • Granite (correct)
  • Peat
  • Lignite
  • Anthracite
  • Bituminous

    • The largest reserves of coal are found in the United States, Russia, Australia, China, and India.

    True (A)

    What is the term for the overlying material that is removed during mining to access the ore below?

    <p>Spoils/Overburden</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the name of the process where water is injected into the ground to fracture rocks and release oil and natural gas?

    <p>Hydraulic fracturing (fracking)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the process called where crude oil is separated into different products based on their boiling points?

    <p>Petroleum refining</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the two main types of solar energy?

    <p>Passive solar and active solar</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Photovoltaic cells convert light energy directly into electricity.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the source of energy for hydroelectric power?

    <p>Moving water</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a major concern associated with the use of geothermal energy?

    <p>Availability and environmental impacts</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary product of a hydrogen fuel cell?

    <p>Water</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT an advantage of hydrogen fuel cells?

    <p>Widely available infrastructure (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Wind energy is considered a carbon-free source of energy.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the acronym used for the government standard that promotes fuel economy and efficiency in vehicles in the United States?

    <p>CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a feature of a sustainable home design?

    <p>Use of synthetic materials for construction (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Smart grid integration is a technology that uses sensors and data analysis to optimize energy production and distribution.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the process called where radioactive materials are broken down into smaller fragments, releasing energy?

    <p>Nuclear fission</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term for the time it takes for a radioactive isotope to decay to half its original amount?

    <p>Half-life</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Nuclear fusion involves combining two smaller atomic nuclei into a heavier nucleus, releasing a large amount of energy.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the name of the proposed site for the long-term storage of high-level radioactive waste in the United States?

    <p>Yucca Mountain</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term for plant materials and animal wastes used as a source of energy?

    <p>Biomass</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Biomass can be burned directly as a fuel or converted into liquid or gaseous biofuels.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term for a device that converts sunlight directly into electricity?

    <p>Photovoltaic cell</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary environmental concern associated with concentrated solar thermal power plants?

    <p>Land use and habitat destruction</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Hydroelectric power is considered the most efficient form of renewable energy.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following are disadvantages associated with traditional hydroelectric power?

    <p>All of the above (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Wind energy has no environmental drawbacks.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term for the energy wasted during the conversion of energy from one form to another?

    <p>Energy efficiency</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The United States aims to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels through policies like the CAFE standards.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the main objectives of smart grid integration?

    <p>To optimize energy production, distribution, and consumption</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Fossil Fuels

    Combustible deposits in the Earth’s crust like coal, oil, and natural gas.

    Non-Renewable Resources

    Resources that cannot be replenished at the rate they are consumed.

    Renewable Energy

    Energy that can be replenished naturally at or near the rate of consumption.

    Depletable Renewables

    Renewables that can be consumed faster than they can be regenerated, like biomass.

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    Fossil Fuel Combustion

    A chemical reaction where fossil fuels react with oxygen to produce energy, CO₂, and water.

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    Electricity Generation

    Electricity produced by spinning turbines using various energy sources.

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    Coal Formation

    Coal forms from plant material subjected to heat, pressure, and time in sedimentary rock.

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    Types of Coal

    Different forms of coal: peat, lignite, bituminous, and anthracite based on heat and pressure received.

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    Coal Extraction Methods

    Methods to mine coal: surface mining and subsurface extraction.

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    Coal Combustion Impacts

    Releases CO₂, mercury, sulfur oxides, and nitrogen oxides, contributing to pollution.

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    Nuclear Fission

    Process of splitting an atomic nucleus, releasing large amounts of energy.

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    Nuclear Fusion

    Joining of lightweight atomic nuclei into a heavier nucleus, releasing energy.

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    Radioactive Isotopes

    Unstable isotopes that emit radiation as they decay.

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    Hydrocarbon

    Organic compound consisting mainly of hydrogen and carbon, found in fossil fuels.

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    Biomass Energy

    Energy from plant materials and animal waste, used directly or converted to fuels.

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    Solar Energy Types

    Passive and active solar energy: passive uses no equipment, active uses technology.

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    Photovoltaic Cells

    Devices that convert sunlight directly into electricity.

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    Hydroelectric Power

    Electricity generated from flowing or falling water, very efficient.

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    Geothermal Energy

    Energy from heat beneath the Earth's surface, used for power and heating.

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    Natural Gas

    Fossil fuel formed under high pressure, mainly consisting of methane.

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    Hydraulic Fracturing (Fracking)

    A method to extract gas by injecting high-pressure liquid into rock formations.

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    Wind Energy

    Energy harnessed from wind, one of the fastest-growing energy sources.

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    Energy Conservation Techniques

    Methods to reduce energy use, like efficient appliances and better insulation.

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    Smart Grid Integration

    Modernizing electrical grids to optimize energy distribution and efficiency.

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    Hydrogen Fuel Cells

    Devices that convert hydrogen and oxygen into electricity, producing water as a byproduct.

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    Oil Spill Cleanup Methods

    Techniques to clean oil spills, including biological, mechanical, and chemical methods.

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    Energy Efficiency

    Measures to use less energy for the same output, like fuel-efficient vehicles.

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    The Nuclear Fuel Cycle

    Processes from mining to disposal in nuclear power generation.

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    Acid Mine Drainage

    Water pollution caused by mining activities, leading to toxins entering waterways.

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    Study Notes

    Energy Resources and Consumption

    • Energy resources are categorized as renewable and non-renewable.
    • Fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas) provide over 80% of North America's energy.
    • Fossil fuels are non-renewable resources, formed too slowly to replace their use.
    • Renewable energy sources (biomass, wood, charcoal, ethanol) account for about 13% of North America's energy consumption.
    • The rate of consumption for renewable resources must be at or below the rate of regeneration to be sustainable.
    • Global energy consumption varies significantly between developed and developing countries.
    • Developed nations frequently have higher per capita energy consumption, though developing countries may have higher overall energy use.

    Renewable and Non-Renewable Resources

    • Fossil fuels are combustible deposits within the Earth's crust.
    • Coal, oil, and natural gas make up fossil fuels.
    • Fossil fuels supply a significant portion of the energy used in North America.
    • Renewable energy resources can be replenished naturally and re-used at or near the rate of usage.
    • Depletable renewable resources include biomass (wood, charcoal, ethanol).

    Fossil Fuels

    • Fossil fuels are the most commonly used energy source globally.
    • Oil is primarily used for vehicles.
    • Coal's primary use is electricity generation.
    • Natural gas serves as a secondary fuel for electricity and is mostly used for heating.
    • Hydroelectric power is the second-largest energy source after fossil fuels.
    • Nuclear power is the third-largest energy source.

    Renewable Energy - Consumption

    • The rate of use for renewable resources must be within, or below, their regenerative rate.
    • Reforestation efforts, combined with those of timber license holders are not sufficient to compensate for deforestation rates.

    Global Energy Consumption

    • A world map illustrates varying energy consumption per person in 2019.
    • Energy isn't just electricity, encompassing transport, heating, and cooking.
    • The U.S. relies on different energy sources in various percentages, as visualized by a pie chart for 2019.
      • Petroleum makes up 37%.
      • Natural gas makes up 32%.
      • Renewable energy is at 11%.
      • Other sources including nuclear, coal, biomass, wind, and geothermal make up the rest.

    Developed vs. Developing Countries

    • Developed nations typically exhibit higher per capita energy consumption, but developing nations demonstrate, in general, higher total energy use.

    Energy Consumption

    • Fossil fuels remain the most widely used energy source globally.

    Industrialization and Fossil Fuel Consumption

    • Developing nations, primarily reliant on biomass (subsistence fuels), frequently utilize animal waste, wood, and charcoal.
    • These methods can accelerate deforestation.

    Factors that Affect Energy Use - Economics of a Resource

    • Availability is linked to identified mineral deposits, which must be profitable to extract at current price levels.
    • Prices for resources often fluctuate based on the discovery of new reserves; when prices drop, use increases.

    Factors that Affect Energy Use

    • Government regulations can influence energy usage, although governments cannot directly manipulate prices for energy sources.
    • Governments can influence fuel use through taxes, and encourage use of other sources through rebates and tax credits.

    Fuel Types and Uses, Distribution of Natural Energy Sources and Fossil Fuels

    • The section details types, uses, and distributions related to natural energy sources and fossil fuels.

    Fossil Fuel Combustion for Energy

    • The combustion process combines fossil fuels with oxygen, evolving energy
    • Carbon dioxide and water are produced in the process.
    • This heat converts water into steam, a source of generating electricity.

    Electricity

    • Electrical current is the flow of electrons in a wire.
    • Energy sources can generate electricity through turbines driving electric generators (spinning wires around a magnet for example).

    Generating Electricity

    • Electricity is generated as energy sources spin turbines that turn/spin generators.
    • Steam, combustion gases, flowing water, and wind are examples of energy sources that drive turbines.

    Electric Power vs Energy

    • Power is measured in watts or kilowatts.
    • Energy is quantified in watt-hours or kilowatt-hours.
    • Examples include household light bulbs using 12-100 watts, industrial facilities above 500 kilowatts, and power plants. In the range of 100 megawatts to 1000 megawatts.

    Generating Electricity

    • Electricity consumption across different areas depends on its generating capacity.
    • 1 megawatt power plant can produce 8760 megawatt-hours of electricity needed for 796 households..
    • It would provide 6132 megawatt-hours with 70% efficiency (enough for approximately 557 homes).
    • 2803 megawatt-hours with 30% efficiency (approximately 254 homes).

    Fossil Fuel Formation

    • Coal is mainly found in sedimentary rocks.
    • Heat, pressure, and time transform plant material into a carbon-rich rock.
    • Coal formation begins with the development of massive forests.

    Coal Types

    • Peat, lignite, bituminous, and anthracite are various forms of coal that differ due to heat, pressure, and time.
    • Coal's significant reserves are found in the U.S., Russia, Australia, China and India.

    Top five coal producing nations

    • China, the U.S., India, Australia, and Indonesia have been the top five coal-producing nations since 2000.

    Distribution of coal plants in the Lower 48 states

    • A map shows the distribution of coal plants in the Lower 48 US states, categorized by their capacity (MW) and energy source (bituminous, subbituminous, other).

    Mining Terms

    • Ore is naturally occurring material with extractable metal,
    • Spoils/Overburden is the excavated material above the ore body
    • Tailings is the waste residue from ore extraction

    Coal Extraction

    • Coal is extracted using various mining methods, including surface mining (e.g., open pit, strip mining, mountaintop removal), and subsurface extraction.
    • Surface mining leads to soil/rock removal and potential issues.
    • Subsurface extraction is more expensive.

    Coal Extraction Impacts

    • Land surface, habitats, and wildlife are impacted by extraction, including erosion issues.
    • Mining waste storage poses leakage risks, such as slag or tailings, leading to water pollution, groundwater contamination, and atmospheric pollution (particulate matter, methane).
    • Human health concerns arise from coal-related issues, especially from contaminated drinking water.

    Underground Mining Methods

    • The graphic shows the different subsurface mining methods, including shaft mining, drift mining, and slope mining.

    Acid Mine Drainage

    • Acid mine drainage (AMD) can result from sulfide minerals and metals leaching into water sources.

    Coal Combustion Impacts

    • Coal combustion releases large quantities of CO2, other pollutants (mercury, lead, sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides), and contributes to acid precipitation.

    Coal Combustion Impacts

    • Coal combustion results in the release of carbon dioxide (CO2), other greenhouse gases, air pollutants, and can also cause acid rain.

    Fossil Fuel Formation - Oil

    • Oil (petroleum or crude oil) is created from sediment deposited over microscopic plants, algae, and bacteria within layers of sedimentary rock.
    • Heat, pressure, and the passage of time transform these organisms into hydrocarbons.

    Fossil Fuel Formation - Oil (Petroleum or Crude Oil)

    • Oil is the result of the transformation of organic material by pressure and heat into hydrocarbons.
    • It's derived from plant and algal remains at high temperatures and pressures.

    Oil and Natural Gas Exploration

    • Oil and gas migrate upwards until they encounter impermeable rock formations, commonly found in structural traps, which are locations where they are trapped.

    Oil Reserves

    • The Middle East has been the region with the highest oil production.
    • Countries with significant proven oil reserves in 2018 include Venezuela, Saudi Arabia, Canada, Iran, Iraq, Russia, Kuwait, UAE, and the USA.

    Petroleum Extraction

    • Drilling methods are used to extract oil/crude petroleum, involving well-drilling into the ground.
    • Methods include hydraulic fracturing (fracking).

    Petroleum Extraction - Hydraulic Fracturing (Fracking)

    • Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is a method for extracting oil/natural gas from subsurface formations.
    • Large volumes of water and chemicals are used in this process, potentially creating environmental risks and contributing to water pollution.

    Petroleum Refining

    • Separating crude oil into various hydrocarbons based on their boiling points is the process of refining petroleum.
    • Natural gas contains fewer hydrocarbons compared to crude oil.

    Oil Extraction Impacts

    • Drilling can harm both land and marine ecosystems and cause leakage at drill sites (on land and in the ocean).
    • Hydraulic fracturing (fracking) requires a high volume of water and uses chemicals, potentially leading to fluid leaks and spills, and methane leaks into the atmosphere.

    Oil Spills

    • Oil spills result from petroleum leakage into bodies of water during extraction or transportation processes.
    • Examples include the Deepwater Horizon spill and the Exxon Valdez spill.

    Oil Spills - Impact

    • Oil spills can harm surface-dwelling creatures (birds and other animals), hinder photosynthesis in plankton/algae, and cause the death of marine organisms through toxicity.

    Oil Spills - Cleanup

    • Cleanup of oil spills can involve biological methods (using microorganisms to break down the oil), mechanical methods (booms and skimmers), and chemical methods (dispersants).

    Alberta Tar Sands

    • In Canada's Alberta region, massive reserves of heavy crude oil are mixed with sand and clay.
    • Oil is extracted by mixing with steam and separating contaminants to obtain usable product, then it's transported to processing facilities.

    Keystone XL Pipeline

    • The Keystone XL Pipeline is constructed for transferring Alberta's tar sands oil to refineries in Texas.
    • It was planned and proposed but not constructed.

    Oil Combustion Impacts

    • Oil combustion releases CO2, Nitrogen Oxides, PM (particulate matter), and unburned hydrocarbons into the atmosphere.
    • Runoff from surfaces with no infiltration can pollute water bodies.

    Fossil Fuel Formation - Natural Gas

    • Natural gas forms similarly to oil, primarily from the remains of plants and animals in sedimentary rock but at temperatures higher than 100 °C.
    • Methane constitutes the major component of natural gas.

    Natural Gas

    • Methane is the primary component of natural gas.
    • Propane and butane are parts of natural gas commonly used for cooking and heating in rural areas.
    • Methane is utilized for heating and generating electricity in power plants..
    • Natural gas can fuel vehicles, with substantially lower emissions compared to gasoline.

    Natural Gas Reserves

    • Natural gas reserves aren't evenly distributed, concentrating in Russia and Iran.

    Natural Gas Extraction

    • Methods of natural gas extraction include drilling into the earth and using hydraulic fracturing (fracking).

    Natural Gas Extraction Impacts

    • Fracking, a method of natural gas extraction, can cause environmental disturbances to land and habitat, may result in methane leaks (into water and atmosphere), and fracking fluid can be highly contaminating to water sources.
    • Leaks from pipelines pose a threat to the environment.

    Natural Gas Combustion Impacts

    • Combustion of natural gas results in very little sulfur, mercury, and particulate pollution.
    • Nitrogen oxides produced are substantially lower in amount compared to coal or oil burning.
    • Modern natural gas power plants produce about 50% less CO2 compared to coal.

    Nuclear Power

    • Nuclear energy stems from nuclear fission or fusion reactions converting matter into energy.
    • Fission: splitting an atomic nucleus into smaller fragments while creating energy.

    Nuclear Power - Radioactive Isotope

    • An unstable isotope emits excess energy in the form of alpha, beta, and gamma rays.
    • Radioactive decay is a notable phenomenon.

    Nuclear Fission

    • A neutron strikes a uranium atom, causing its nucleus to split and release energy, neutrons, and smaller atomic fragments.

    Nuclear Fusion

    • High-temperature fusion combines lightweight atomic nuclei, forming a heavier nucleus and releasing a large amount of energy.
    • Hydrogen isotopes are frequently candidates for fusion reactions.

    Nuclear Fuel Cycle

    • The creation, use, and disposal of the radioactive fuel within nuclear reactors form a nuclear fuel cycle.

    Nuclear Power Plant Diagram

    • A diagram illustrates the operating systems and components of a nuclear power plant, incorporating processes like Uranium fuel input, emergency core cooling, control rods, heat exchangers, steam, turbines, generators, and water sources (rivers, reservoirs, or oceans).

    Pros and Cons of Nuclear Energy

    • Nuclear energy presents both positive and negative aspects.
    • Advantages include minimal immediate environmental impact, carbon-free electricity generation, possible hydrogen fuel production.
    • Disadvantages include radioactive waste creation, potential for thermal pollution, and the extensive use of fossil fuels in mining and waste disposal. Additionally, energy plants are very expensive to build and operate.

    Safety Issues in Nuclear Power Plants

    • Major nuclear accidents, such as Three Mile Island, Chernobyl, and Fukushima, have raised public safety concerns about nuclear power plants, often due to incidents like melt-downs, where extreme temperatures result in metal damage and radiation release.

    Radioactive Waste

    • Fuel waste continues to emit radioactivity post-use.
    • Waste is classified into high-level (from spent fuel rods), low-level (from contaminated supplies and materials), and uranium-mining tailings (low-level waste from enrichment processes).
    • High radiation exposure can cause acute organ failure, radiation sickness, or death.

    Radioactive Waste - Temporary Storage

    • Temporary storage solutions, such as in-plant facilities, under water in cooling ponds, or above ground in steel casks with high security measures, are employed during interim periods waiting for permanent solutions.

    Proposed Storage: Yucca Mountain

    • Yucca Mountain, initially proposed in 1978, aimed to house radioactive waste, but the plans were suspended in 2010, due to concerns like tectonic instability.

    Biomass

    • Biomass is plant and animal waste converted into energy.
    • It can be burned directly or processed into biogas or liquid biofuels, like ethanol or methanol.
    • This energy source has advantages like its renewal, reliance on waste, and generating minimal net increases in atmospheric CO2 (if trees are replanted at the same rate they are harvested). -Disadvantages like land and water use and potential soil erosion.

    Solar Energy

    • Solar energy can be captured passively or actively.
    • Passive solar systems use structures and design to absorb sunlight, while active systems use mechanical or electrical equipment to concentrate or capture sunlight.
    • Examples include solar ovens, building orientations, photovoltaic cells, and concentrated solar thermal systems, like solar water heaters.

    Photovoltaic Solar Cells

    • Photovoltaic solar cells, often made of silicon, generate electricity from solar energy through the photovoltaic effect.
    • The cells can be integrated into building materials like roofing and windows.

    Concentrated Solar Thermal Electric Generation

    • Concentrated solar thermal systems use heliostats (mirrors) to focus solar energy on a water tower for steam production.

    Hydroelectric Power

    • Hydroelectric power is a very efficient (90%) way to harness the energy of flowing water.
    • By diverting water/rivers into dams, it drives turbines and creates electricity from the water flow.
    • The efficiency frequently exceeds 90%.
    • Dams generate considerable energy but can cause ecological disruptions, notably by altering downstream environments.
    • Traditional hydroelectric power systems are frequently associated with their dependence on major dams, but modern technology may utilize low flow systems.

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    This quiz covers the key concepts of energy resources, including the distinction between renewable and non-renewable resources. It highlights the significance of fossil fuels in North America's energy supply and discusses the sustainability of renewable energy consumption. Explore how energy consumption varies across developed and developing nations.

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