Energy Resources Review Chapter 8 and 20

Fossil fuels and biomass both release carbon dioxide when burned, contributing to greenhouse gases and climate change.

Hydroelectric power originates from the potential energy of water stored at higher elevations. As the water flows downhill, its potential energy is converted into kinetic energy, driving turbines connected to generators that produce electricity.

The thermal energy generated in a nuclear reactor is used to heat water, creating steam that drives turbines, which in turn generate electricity.

Burning fossil fuels and biomass releases two main byproducts: carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O). Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change.

Fossil fuels are formed over millions of years from the remains of ancient organisms buried under layers of sediment and subjected to heat and pressure.

The fuel used in a nuclear reactor is typically uranium, a heavy metal element.

Both nuclear fusion and fission involve the transformation of matter into energy. Fusion is the process of combining atomic nuclei, while fission is the process of splitting atomic nuclei.

A significant disadvantage of hydroelectric dams is their impact on aquatic ecosystems. Dams can disrupt natural water flow, fragment habitats, and alter fish migration patterns.

Tidal energy harnesses the kinetic energy of ocean tides, driven by the gravitational forces between the Earth, Moon, and Sun. It is a type of renewable energy resource.

Water flowing due to gravitational forces between the Earth, Moon, and Sun possesses energy referred to as tidal energy.

Devices that convert solar energy (sunlight) into electricity are called photovoltaic cells or solar panels.

Control rods, typically made of materials like boron or cadmium, are used to regulate the rate of nuclear reactions by absorbing neutrons.

When a species reaches its carrying capacity, its population growth slows down and stabilizes due to limited resources and environmental resistance.

Photochemical smog is produced by a complex series of chemical reactions involving sunlight, nitrogen oxides (NOx), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released from sources like vehicle exhaust and industrial emissions.

The burning of fossil fuels, particularly gasoline and diesel fuel, is a major contributor to the production of photochemical smog, as it releases nitrogen oxides, ozone, and other pollutants.

Wind energy, as a renewable energy source, has various advantages and disadvantages. Two advantages include its clean and sustainable nature (no greenhouse gas emissions during operation) and its relatively low cost compared to other energy sources. However, disadvantages include wind energy's dependence on wind availability, which can be variable and unpredictable, and the potential for noise pollution and visual impact.

A generator, a key component in power plants, converts mechanical energy (rotation) into electrical energy. It uses principles of electromagnetism to induce an electric current in a coil of wire as it rotates within a magnetic field.

Nuclear fission is the process of splitting an atomic nucleus into two or more smaller nuclei, releasing a significant amount of energy. Nuclear fusion is the process of combining two or more atomic nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, also releasing a vast amount of energy.

Alpha radiation consists of positively charged particles (alpha particles), which are relatively heavy and can be easily stopped by a sheet of paper. Beta radiation is composed of negatively charged particles (beta particles), which are lighter than alpha particles and can penetrate further, requiring a thin sheet of aluminum to block them. Gamma radiation is a high-energy form of electromagnetic radiation, the most penetrating type, requiring thick lead or concrete to shield against it.

Gamma radiation, due to its high energy and penetrating power, can cause other substances to become radioactive through a process called nuclear activation.

With a half-life of 24 days, a 100-g sample of thorium-234 will decay to half its mass every 24 days. After 72 days (3 half-lives), the remaining amount of thorium-234 would be 12.5 g. (100g -> 50g -> 25g -> 12.5g).

Petroleum, also known as crude oil, a fossil fuel, is a naturally occurring, unrefined mixture of hydrocarbons. It is extracted from the Earth and refined to produce various products such as gasoline, diesel fuel, kerosene, and asphalt.

Natural gas, another fossil fuel, is a flammable gas composed primarily of methane. It is typically found alongside petroleum deposits and is used as a fuel for heating, electricity generation, and industrial processes.

Gasoline, a refined petroleum product, is a flammable liquid used primarily as a fuel for internal combustion engines in vehicles.

Biomass is a renewable energy source derived from organic matter, such as wood, crops, agricultural residues, and waste. It can be burned directly for energy or converted into biofuels and other bioproducts.

Nuclear energy is derived from the splitting of atoms (nuclear fission) in a controlled environment. Uranium is the most common fuel used in nuclear power plants. It is considered a non-renewable energy source because uranium is a finite resource.

Solar energy is a renewable energy source obtained directly from sunlight. Photovoltaic cells (solar panels) convert sunlight into electricity.

Hydroelectric energy, a renewable energy source, is generated by harnessing the power of flowing water. Dams are built to create reservoirs, and the stored water is released through turbines to generate electricity.

Wind energy, a renewable energy source, uses wind turbines to convert the kinetic energy of wind into electricity.

Geothermal energy is a renewable energy source derived from the heat within the Earth's interior. It can be harnessed to heat buildings and generate electricity.

Hydrogen fuel cells are a promising renewable energy technology that produce electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. They emit only water as a byproduct, making them a clean energy source.