Energy Resources and Environmental Impact

The movement of water in the oceans, both on the surface and deep below.

A large body of air with the same temperature, humidity, and pressure.

A low-pressure system where warm air rises. Brings cloudy, windy, and rainy weather.

A high-pressure system where air sinks. Brings clear, calm, and sunny weather.

The process of cold, salty water sinking and warm, less salty water rising, creating a global current system.

The bending of currents due to the Earth's rotation.

Warm water rises and cools, releasing water vapor that condenses to form clouds.

The process of water vapor turning into liquid water, often forming clouds.

A type of energy that is available in limited quantities. It takes millions of years for these resources to form and therefore they cannot be replenished on a human timescale.

A type of energy that is constantly being replenished by natural processes.

A resource that can be used to generate electricity. Examples include coal, oil, natural gas, nuclear energy, biomass, and geothermal energy.

A resource that can be used to generate electricity. Examples include hydroelectric dams, tidal energy, and wave energy.

A resource that uses the power of the wind to generate electricity.

A resource that uses the power of the sun to generate electricity.

A fuel formed from the remains of ancient marine organisms, like algae and small animals.

A fuel formed from the remains of ancient plants and trees that were buried in swamps.

Tides are caused by the Moon's gravitational pull on Earth's water. When the water is directly under the Moon, it's high tide. When water is pulled away from areas between high tides, it's low tide.

Solar energy is a sustainable and abundant source of clean energy. It can be captured through various technologies, powering everything from homes to large-scale industrial applications.

A chemical reaction where fuel reacts with oxygen, releasing heat and light. This requires a fuel source, an oxidizing agent like oxygen, and an ignition temperature for the fuel to burn.

The state of an atom's nucleus, indicating its tendency to undergo radioactive decay. A stable nucleus is unlikely to decay, while an unstable nucleus will decay, releasing energy.

Passive heating systems use the sun's heat and light to warm homes. Houses are positioned to maximize exposure to sunlight during cold months. This helps reduce energy costs and reliance on traditional heating systems.

Photovoltaic cells are used to convert sunlight into electricity. They are assembled into solar panels on rooftops or in large solar farms.

Solar collectors are large glass panels that absorb the sun's heat. This heat can be used to warm water or air for heating homes, swimming pools, or industrial processes.

Rapid combustion is a quick and intense burning, like a log fire or a firecracker explosion. Slow combustion is a gradual process, like metal rusting. Spontaneous combustion occurs when a fuel reaches its ignition temperature without an external source of heat, such as a forest fire.

The ability of an atomic nucleus to remain stable and not spontaneously decay.

The ratio of neutrons to protons in an atomic nucleus. It plays a crucial role in determining stability.

A strong force that acts at very short distances within the nucleus, overcoming the repulsion between protons and holding the nucleus together.

Specific numbers of protons or neutrons (2, 8, 20, 28, 50, 82, or 126) that lead to exceptionally stable nuclei due to their energy shell configurations.

The process by which unstable atomic nuclei release particles or energy to achieve stability.

High-energy electromagnetic waves emitted during radioactive decay. They are highly penetrating and require lead or concrete shielding.

The splitting of a large nucleus into smaller nuclei, releasing a significant amount of energy. Used in nuclear power plants and atomic bombs.

The fusion of small nuclei into a larger nucleus, releasing immense amounts of energy. Occurs in the Sun and experimental fusion reactors.

Nuclear energy is a source of power gained by splitting atoms, mainly uranium or plutonium, to release energy.

Nuclear energy is a source of power gained by splitting atoms, mainly uranium or plutonium, to release energy. This process is called nuclear fission.

Using nuclear energy is good because it produces very high-energy output from small amounts of fuel. Additionally, it reduces greenhouse gases.

The main concerns for using nuclear energy are its limited fuel supply, the high costs, and its potential for radioactive waste and accidents.

Geothermal energy is a renewable energy source that leverages the Earth's internal heat for energy.

Geothermal energy is renewable, meaning it replenishes over time, and it's a relatively clean source of energy with minimal greenhouse gas emissions.

Geothermal energy is difficult to install and maintain since the equipment is underground. Moreover, its usage is restricted to areas with suitable geological conditions.

Hydroelectric energy, also known as hydropower, utilizes the power of flowing water to generate electricity.

Hydroelectric energy is a renewable source of energy that generates electricity without greenhouse gas emissions.

Hydroelectric power plants require dams that can cause flooding, negatively affect wildlife habitats, and displace local communities.

Tidal energy uses the motion of tides, driven by moon's gravity, to generate electricity.

Tidal energy provides a sustainable source of electricity, and it's typically less affected by weather fluctuations.

The main drawbacks of tidal energy are high installation and maintenance costs, as well as the complex nature of harnessing the energy from the ocean.

Wind energy harness the power of moving air to generate electricity.

Wind energy is a renewable source of energy that is environmentally friendly and produces no greenhouse gas emissions.

The main disadvantages of wind energy are the visual impact of wind turbines, the unpredictability of wind, and the inability to store the generated energy for later use.

Solar energy is a renewable source of energy that is environmentally friendly, and it's a sustainable source of electricity or heat.

The main drawbacks of solar energy are the large space required to build solar panels, the dependence on clear weather, and the cost of initial setup.

Large-scale wind patterns driven by the Earth's rotation and uneven solar heating.

Tiny particles, like dust, soot, or smoke, that can harm human health and the environment.

A colorless, odorless gas produced by the incomplete burning of fossil fuels, posing health risks.

A colorless, acidic gas released from burning coal or oil, contributing to acid rain and respiratory problems.

A group of gases, mainly nitrogen oxides (NOx), that contribute to smog and respiratory problems.

A potent greenhouse gas released from agriculture and waste, contributing to climate change.