Energy Sources and Their Impact

Energy sources that are limited in supply and cannot be replenished at a rate comparable to their consumption. Examples include fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas) and nuclear energy.

Energy sources naturally replenished at a rate comparable to or faster than their consumption. Examples include biomass, hydropower, solar, wind, wave, and geothermal energy.

Fossil fuels, like coal and petroleum, were formed over millions of years from the decomposition of ancient organisms.

The period starting around 1760 when the use of fossil fuels, particularly coal, significantly increased due to technological advancements and industrial growth.

The growing worldwide reliance on fossil fuels as countries industrialize and their energy demands increase. This trend is directly linked to the development of a country and its energy needs.

The process of extracting energy from a fuel source to create both useful heat and electricity, maximizing fuel efficiency.

A type of coal that is formed under moderate heat and pressure, characterized by a high heat capacity and sulfur content.

The removal of trees from an area, leading to environmental issues like soil erosion, reduced precipitation, and decreased carbon dioxide absorption.

Partially decomposed organic material found in topsoil, used as a fuel source in some regions.

A type of coal formed under extreme heat and pressure, characterized by the highest heat capacity and lowest sulfur content.

The process by which fossil fuels are formed over millions of years from the decomposition of ancient marine organisms buried under sediment.

The least processed and cheapest type of coal, characterized by low heat capacity, high moisture content, and significant impurities.

A gaseous fossil fuel primarily composed of methane, considered the cleanest fossil fuel due to lower harmful emissions compared to coal and oil.

A fossil fuel used in various forms, including gasoline, heating oil, diesel, and jet fuel, obtained from crude oil through a refinement process.

The primary factors that influence the choice of energy sources, including availability, price, and government regulations.

Fossil fuels, like coal, oil, and natural gas, are formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals buried under layers of sediment over millions of years. As these organisms decompose, they release gases and liquids that form into fossil fuels.

Oil is a viscous liquid that is extracted from underground reservoirs, often through drilling. Much of the oil production happens at sea, which can cause significant environmental impact.

Natural gas is found at various depths in rock formations. It is often trapped in pockets alongside layers of water. Extraction involves hydraulic fracturing, which can cause environmental challenges.

Hydraulic fracturing (fracking) involves injecting a high-pressure mixture of water, sand, and chemicals into underground rock formations to create cracks. This allows natural gas to flow to the well and be extracted.

Fracking can pose environmental risks, including water contamination, habitat destruction, and induced earthquakes. It's crucial to use environmentally conscious practices and regulations to mitigate these risks.

Coal-fired power plants convert the chemical energy stored in coal into electricity by burning coal to generate steam, which drives turbines to produce electricity.

Coal-fired power plants require large amounts of water for cooling the machinery and for generating steam. They can also release pollutants like carbon dioxide, mercury, and sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere and water sources.

Nuclear power plants generate electricity by using a process called nuclear fission, in which atoms of uranium are split to release heat. This heat is then used to generate steam, which drives turbines to produce electricity.

Nuclear power plants produce large amounts of radioactive waste that needs to be safely stored for hundreds of thousands of years. There is also a risk of accidents with catastrophic consequences.

Uranium 235 is a radioactive element used in nuclear reactors to fuel fission reactions. It needs to be carefully handled due to its radioactivity and its role in nuclear weapons.

The time it takes for half of a radioactive substance to decay into a different element, emitting radiation.

A process where neutrons from one nuclear fission reaction cause further fission reactions in nearby uranium atoms, creating a chain of energy release.

The process of splitting an atom's nucleus, releasing a large amount of energy. Used in nuclear power plants.

The radioactive waste produced by nuclear power plants, which requires careful storage and management due to its long half-life.

The process of converting nuclear energy into heat, generating steam to power turbines and produce electricity.

The release of radioactive material into the environment, potentially posing risks to human health and the ecosystem. It can be caused by accidents or leaks from nuclear facilities.

A situation where people oppose the construction of facilities like nuclear waste repositories in their local area, even if it benefits the broader community.

A major nuclear accident in Chernobyl, Ukraine, in 1986, resulting in a large amount of radiation release and long-lasting environmental contamination.

A significant nuclear accident that occurred in Fukushima, Japan, in 2011, caused by an earthquake and tsunami, leading to the release of radiation and damage to the plant.

A nuclear accident that occurred at Three Mile Island, Pennsylvania, in 1979, causing a partial meltdown of the reactor core.

Burning organic matter, such as wood or crops, to generate heat or electricity.

Liquid fuels derived from plant matter, used as alternatives to petroleum products.

A biofuel made from fermented plant starches, typically mixed with gasoline for use in vehicles.

A biofuel derived from the oils of plants, used as a substitute for diesel fuel.

Energy captured from the sun and converted directly into electricity.

Solar energy systems that use mechanical and electrical equipment to collect and store heat energy from the sun.

Solar energy systems that capture heat directly from the sun without using mechanical or electrical equipment.

Generating electricity from the movement of water, typically using dams to create reservoirs.

A smaller scale hydroelectric system, often used to power individual homes or small communities.

Generating electricity using the flow of tides in the ocean.

The emission of pollutants into the atmosphere, primarily from burning fossil fuels.

The practice of growing a single crop over a large area, often leading to soil depletion.

The energy available after accounting for energy losses during the production and processing of a fuel.

The ability of a resource to be replenished at a rate similar to or faster than its consumption.

A structure built across a river to control water flow, often used for hydroelectric power generation.

A passageway built alongside a dam to allow fish to swim upstream.

A type of energy that utilizes the heat stored within Earth's core to generate electricity.

A process where water is pumped deep underground to be heated by Earth's heat, then used to generate steam for electricity.

The release of gases during drilling and processing in geothermal energy production.

An alternative fuel source that uses hydrogen as fuel, producing electricity through a chemical reaction.

The process of splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using an electric current, a method to produce hydrogen fuel.

A vehicle powered by a hydrogen fuel cell.

A renewable energy source that harnesses the kinetic energy of wind to generate electricity.

Reducing energy consumption to decrease environmental impact.

The use of trees to provide shade and windbreaks around buildings.

Government regulations that set minimum fuel efficiency standards for vehicles.

Vehicle powered by a battery that is charged by electricity.

Building design features that use natural resources like sunlight and wind for heating and cooling.

A system that uses sunlight to heat water or air without active pumps or devices.