Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which statement accurately describes the characteristics of nonrenewable energy sources?
Which statement accurately describes the characteristics of nonrenewable energy sources?
- They exist in a fixed amount and cannot be replenished once used. (correct)
- They require ongoing sustainable management to remain viable.
- They can be replaced more quickly than they are consumed.
- Nuclear energy is strictly derived from fossil fuels.
What energy source has replaced coal as the primary fuel since the Industrial Revolution?
What energy source has replaced coal as the primary fuel since the Industrial Revolution?
- Solar energy
- Nuclear energy
- Natural gas
- Petroleum (correct)
Which of the following is an essential feature of renewable resources as mentioned?
Which of the following is an essential feature of renewable resources as mentioned?
- They include resources that regenerate in less than a year.
- They are consistently underused and never deplete.
- They can be reused indefinitely if managed correctly. (correct)
- They are formed from fossilized plants and animals only.
Which region is noted for having the highest concentration of petroleum resources?
Which region is noted for having the highest concentration of petroleum resources?
What trend is observed in energy consumption as countries develop?
What trend is observed in energy consumption as countries develop?
What is a significant environmental consequence of deforestation related to energy sources?
What is a significant environmental consequence of deforestation related to energy sources?
Which type of coal is characterized by a high heat capacity and lower sulfur content?
Which type of coal is characterized by a high heat capacity and lower sulfur content?
Which energy source is considered the cleanest fossil fuel?
Which energy source is considered the cleanest fossil fuel?
What is the primary use of charcoal in developing countries?
What is the primary use of charcoal in developing countries?
How is crude oil extracted from tar sands?
How is crude oil extracted from tar sands?
What happens to peat under heat and pressure over time?
What happens to peat under heat and pressure over time?
Why might an increase in gasoline prices lead to a shift towards electric cars?
Why might an increase in gasoline prices lead to a shift towards electric cars?
What is cogeneration in the context of energy production?
What is cogeneration in the context of energy production?
Which countries were noted for having the most coal reserves in 2017?
Which countries were noted for having the most coal reserves in 2017?
What is a primary health risk associated with using peat indoors without proper ventilation?
What is a primary health risk associated with using peat indoors without proper ventilation?
What is the primary consequence of hydraulic fracturing?
What is the primary consequence of hydraulic fracturing?
What process is utilized for collecting natural gas from the ground?
What process is utilized for collecting natural gas from the ground?
What type of mining does not directly involve people going underground?
What type of mining does not directly involve people going underground?
What environmental impact is associated with coal-fired power plants?
What environmental impact is associated with coal-fired power plants?
What is the primary purpose of using water in a coal-fired power plant?
What is the primary purpose of using water in a coal-fired power plant?
Which component of nuclear power plants contains Uranium-235?
Which component of nuclear power plants contains Uranium-235?
Which of the following is a potential consequence of mining activities?
Which of the following is a potential consequence of mining activities?
What happens during the fission reaction of Uranium-235?
What happens during the fission reaction of Uranium-235?
What is a consequence of using hydraulic fracturing compared to traditional drilling?
What is a consequence of using hydraulic fracturing compared to traditional drilling?
How are fossil fuels primarily formed?
How are fossil fuels primarily formed?
What is one significant drawback of using nuclear power related to waste management?
What is one significant drawback of using nuclear power related to waste management?
Which incident resulted from a safety test gone wrong in a nuclear reactor?
Which incident resulted from a safety test gone wrong in a nuclear reactor?
What causes the long-term radioactivity of spent Uranium-235?
What causes the long-term radioactivity of spent Uranium-235?
Which factor is essential for a nuclear power plant's safety during a meltdown?
Which factor is essential for a nuclear power plant's safety during a meltdown?
In the context of nuclear waste, what does the term 'half-life' refer to?
In the context of nuclear waste, what does the term 'half-life' refer to?
What major environmental concern is associated with mining for uranium?
What major environmental concern is associated with mining for uranium?
What makes Yucca Mountain a controversial site for nuclear waste storage?
What makes Yucca Mountain a controversial site for nuclear waste storage?
What was a contributing factor to the accidents at Fukushima?
What was a contributing factor to the accidents at Fukushima?
Which of the following is NOT considered a renewable energy source?
Which of the following is NOT considered a renewable energy source?
What was the primary reason behind the station blackout at Three Mile Island?
What was the primary reason behind the station blackout at Three Mile Island?
What is a significant health concern associated with burning biomass indoors?
What is a significant health concern associated with burning biomass indoors?
Which biofuel is produced through the fermentation of plant-based starches?
Which biofuel is produced through the fermentation of plant-based starches?
What is a major drawback of using biofuels produced from monoculture agricultural practices?
What is a major drawback of using biofuels produced from monoculture agricultural practices?
How do photovoltaic solar cells generate electricity?
How do photovoltaic solar cells generate electricity?
What is a disadvantage of active solar energy systems compared to passive ones?
What is a disadvantage of active solar energy systems compared to passive ones?
Which option describes a characteristic of passive solar energy systems?
Which option describes a characteristic of passive solar energy systems?
What is a potential environmental consequence of large solar energy farms?
What is a potential environmental consequence of large solar energy farms?
What is a key principle behind tidal power generation?
What is a key principle behind tidal power generation?
What is a notable advantage of hydroelectric power?
What is a notable advantage of hydroelectric power?
Which agricultural crops are commonly associated with biodiesel production?
Which agricultural crops are commonly associated with biodiesel production?
What limitation affects the collection and storage of energy in passive solar systems?
What limitation affects the collection and storage of energy in passive solar systems?
What economic aspect is a challenge when implementing solar energy systems?
What economic aspect is a challenge when implementing solar energy systems?
Which method of hydroelectric power generation also includes recreational benefits?
Which method of hydroelectric power generation also includes recreational benefits?
What characteristic of switchgrass makes it a more sustainable crop for biofuel production?
What characteristic of switchgrass makes it a more sustainable crop for biofuel production?
What is a significant disadvantage of geothermal energy?
What is a significant disadvantage of geothermal energy?
How does a hydrogen fuel cell generate electricity?
How does a hydrogen fuel cell generate electricity?
What environmental impact is associated with wind energy?
What environmental impact is associated with wind energy?
Which of the following is a method to conserve energy?
Which of the following is a method to conserve energy?
What is one of the main challenges in utilizing hydrogen as a fuel source?
What is one of the main challenges in utilizing hydrogen as a fuel source?
What is a significant advantage of geothermal energy compared to solar and wind energy?
What is a significant advantage of geothermal energy compared to solar and wind energy?
Which gas is primarily released during the processing of geothermal energy?
Which gas is primarily released during the processing of geothermal energy?
Why might hydrogen fuel cells decrease in price over time?
Why might hydrogen fuel cells decrease in price over time?
What is a benefit of wind energy specifically relating to land use?
What is a benefit of wind energy specifically relating to land use?
What is the main output of a hydrogen fuel cell during operation?
What is the main output of a hydrogen fuel cell during operation?
What factor can affect the efficiency of wind energy generation?
What factor can affect the efficiency of wind energy generation?
In which region is geothermal energy most abundant?
In which region is geothermal energy most abundant?
What critical role does the turbine play in geothermal energy systems?
What critical role does the turbine play in geothermal energy systems?
Flashcards
Nonrenewable Energy Sources
Nonrenewable Energy Sources
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.
Renewable Energy Sources
Renewable Energy Sources
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 Fuel Formation
Fossil Fuel Formation
Fossil fuels, like coal and petroleum, were formed over millions of years from the decomposition of ancient organisms.
Industrial Revolution
Industrial Revolution
The period starting around 1760 when the use of fossil fuels, particularly coal, significantly increased due to technological advancements and industrial growth.
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Growing Reliance on Fossil Fuels
Growing Reliance on Fossil Fuels
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.
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Cogeneration
Cogeneration
The process of extracting energy from a fuel source to create both useful heat and electricity, maximizing fuel efficiency.
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Bituminous coal
Bituminous coal
A type of coal that is formed under moderate heat and pressure, characterized by a high heat capacity and sulfur content.
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Deforestation
Deforestation
The removal of trees from an area, leading to environmental issues like soil erosion, reduced precipitation, and decreased carbon dioxide absorption.
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Peat
Peat
Partially decomposed organic material found in topsoil, used as a fuel source in some regions.
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Anthracite coal
Anthracite coal
A type of coal formed under extreme heat and pressure, characterized by the highest heat capacity and lowest sulfur content.
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Oil and Natural Gas Formation
Oil and Natural Gas Formation
The process by which fossil fuels are formed over millions of years from the decomposition of ancient marine organisms buried under sediment.
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Lignite coal
Lignite coal
The least processed and cheapest type of coal, characterized by low heat capacity, high moisture content, and significant impurities.
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Natural Gas
Natural Gas
A gaseous fossil fuel primarily composed of methane, considered the cleanest fossil fuel due to lower harmful emissions compared to coal and oil.
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Crude Oil
Crude Oil
A fossil fuel used in various forms, including gasoline, heating oil, diesel, and jet fuel, obtained from crude oil through a refinement process.
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Factors Influencing Energy Source Choices
Factors Influencing Energy Source Choices
The primary factors that influence the choice of energy sources, including availability, price, and government regulations.
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How are fossil fuels formed?
How are fossil fuels formed?
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.
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What is oil and how is it extracted?
What is oil and how is it extracted?
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.
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How is natural gas extracted?
How is natural gas extracted?
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.
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What is hydraulic fracturing?
What is hydraulic fracturing?
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.
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What are the environmental risks of fracking?
What are the environmental risks of fracking?
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.
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How do coal-fired power plants work?
How do coal-fired power plants work?
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.
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What are the environmental challenges of coal-fired power plants?
What are the environmental challenges of coal-fired power plants?
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.
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How do nuclear power plants work?
How do nuclear power plants work?
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.
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What are the challenges of nuclear power plants?
What are the challenges of nuclear power plants?
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.
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What is uranium 235?
What is uranium 235?
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.
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Half-life
Half-life
The time it takes for half of a radioactive substance to decay into a different element, emitting radiation.
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Chain Reaction
Chain Reaction
A process where neutrons from one nuclear fission reaction cause further fission reactions in nearby uranium atoms, creating a chain of energy release.
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Nuclear Fission
Nuclear Fission
The process of splitting an atom's nucleus, releasing a large amount of energy. Used in nuclear power plants.
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Spent Nuclear Fuel
Spent Nuclear Fuel
The radioactive waste produced by nuclear power plants, which requires careful storage and management due to its long half-life.
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Nuclear Power Plant
Nuclear Power Plant
The process of converting nuclear energy into heat, generating steam to power turbines and produce electricity.
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Radiation Release
Radiation Release
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.
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NIMBY (Not In My Backyard)
NIMBY (Not In My Backyard)
A situation where people oppose the construction of facilities like nuclear waste repositories in their local area, even if it benefits the broader community.
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Chernobyl Disaster
Chernobyl Disaster
A major nuclear accident in Chernobyl, Ukraine, in 1986, resulting in a large amount of radiation release and long-lasting environmental contamination.
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Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Disaster
Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Disaster
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.
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Three Mile Island Accident
Three Mile Island Accident
A nuclear accident that occurred at Three Mile Island, Pennsylvania, in 1979, causing a partial meltdown of the reactor core.
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Biomass Energy
Biomass Energy
Burning organic matter, such as wood or crops, to generate heat or electricity.
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Biofuels
Biofuels
Liquid fuels derived from plant matter, used as alternatives to petroleum products.
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Ethanol
Ethanol
A biofuel made from fermented plant starches, typically mixed with gasoline for use in vehicles.
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Biodiesel
Biodiesel
A biofuel derived from the oils of plants, used as a substitute for diesel fuel.
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Photovoltaic Solar Energy
Photovoltaic Solar Energy
Energy captured from the sun and converted directly into electricity.
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Active Solar Energy Systems
Active Solar Energy Systems
Solar energy systems that use mechanical and electrical equipment to collect and store heat energy from the sun.
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Passive Solar Energy Systems
Passive Solar Energy Systems
Solar energy systems that capture heat directly from the sun without using mechanical or electrical equipment.
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Hydroelectric Power
Hydroelectric Power
Generating electricity from the movement of water, typically using dams to create reservoirs.
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Microhydropower
Microhydropower
A smaller scale hydroelectric system, often used to power individual homes or small communities.
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Tidal Power
Tidal Power
Generating electricity using the flow of tides in the ocean.
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Air Pollution
Air Pollution
The emission of pollutants into the atmosphere, primarily from burning fossil fuels.
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Monoculture
Monoculture
The practice of growing a single crop over a large area, often leading to soil depletion.
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Net Energy
Net Energy
The energy available after accounting for energy losses during the production and processing of a fuel.
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Renewable Energy
Renewable Energy
The ability of a resource to be replenished at a rate similar to or faster than its consumption.
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Dam
Dam
A structure built across a river to control water flow, often used for hydroelectric power generation.
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Fish ladder
Fish ladder
A passageway built alongside a dam to allow fish to swim upstream.
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Geothermal energy
Geothermal energy
A type of energy that utilizes the heat stored within Earth's core to generate electricity.
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Geothermal energy process
Geothermal energy process
A process where water is pumped deep underground to be heated by Earth's heat, then used to generate steam for electricity.
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Gas release in geothermal energy
Gas release in geothermal energy
The release of gases during drilling and processing in geothermal energy production.
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Hydrogen fuel cell
Hydrogen fuel cell
An alternative fuel source that uses hydrogen as fuel, producing electricity through a chemical reaction.
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Electrolysis
Electrolysis
The process of splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using an electric current, a method to produce hydrogen fuel.
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Fuel cell vehicle (FCV)
Fuel cell vehicle (FCV)
A vehicle powered by a hydrogen fuel cell.
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Wind energy
Wind energy
A renewable energy source that harnesses the kinetic energy of wind to generate electricity.
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Energy conservation
Energy conservation
Reducing energy consumption to decrease environmental impact.
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Conservation landscaping
Conservation landscaping
The use of trees to provide shade and windbreaks around buildings.
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CAFE standards (Corporate Average Fuel Economy)
CAFE standards (Corporate Average Fuel Economy)
Government regulations that set minimum fuel efficiency standards for vehicles.
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Battery electric vehicle (BEV)
Battery electric vehicle (BEV)
Vehicle powered by a battery that is charged by electricity.
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Green building design features
Green building design features
Building design features that use natural resources like sunlight and wind for heating and cooling.
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Passive solar system
Passive solar system
A system that uses sunlight to heat water or air without active pumps or devices.
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Nonrenewable Energy Sources
- Nuclear energy: Harvested from uranium ores, not fossil fuels.
- Fossil fuels: Coal, oil, and natural gas; exist in finite amounts, and are not replaceable.
Renewable Energy Sources
- Biomass: Wood, cow dung, other plant/animal matter used as fuel.
- Hydroelectric, Solar, Wind, Waves, Geothermal: These resources can be used indefinitely if managed properly.
- Soil: Is technically renewable, but current human usage rates make it effectively nonrenewable.
Dominant Energy Sources and Trends
- Fossil fuels (coal, then oil) have been dominant since the Industrial Revolution (1760).
- The Middle East has the most petroleum.
- The Great Plains has the most wind energy potential.
- Nuclear energy became popular in the 1970s but hasn't widely increased.
- Developed countries use significantly more energy than developing countries.
- Energy use increases as a country develops.
Wood, Charcoal, and Peat
- Wood and charcoal are common in developing countries due to their accessibility.
- Charcoal produces more heat, but requires more processing.
- Deforestation due to wood use can lead to soil erosion, decreased precipitation, and reduced carbon sequestration.
- Peat is partially decomposed organic matter; used as fuel.
- Issues include indoor air pollution and health problems if burned improperly.
Coal Types
- Coal grades (from best to worst): Anthracite, Bituminous, Lignite.
- Anthracite has highest heat capacity, lowest sulfur, and is the most expensive.
- Sulfur emissions cause acid deposition.
Natural Gas
- Natural gas is the cleanest fossil fuel.
- Low SO2, mercury, and particulate emissions compared to coal/oil.
- Primarily methane, but still produces CO2.
- Easily transportable.
Crude Oil and Processing
- Crude oil is extracted from tar sands, a mix of clay, sand, water, and bitumen.
- Extraction is more complex than conventional oil, requiring processing and raising costs.
- Refineries convert crude oil into various fuels.
- Cogeneration harvests fuel sources to generate both heat and electricity efficiently.
Energy Resource Distribution (2015-2019)
- Leading countries for Uranium: Australia, Kazakhstan.
- Leading region for crude oil: Middle East, Canada, Venezuela.
- Leading countries for natural gas: Russia, US.
- Leading countries for coal: US, China, India, Australia, Russia.
Oil and Natural Gas Formation
- Oil & gas form simultaneously in geological formations, from buried marine organisms.
- Hydraulic fracturing is a method used to extract natural gas.
- Rock age dictates resource availability.
Fossil Fuel Combustion
- Fuel + Oxygen → Carbon Dioxide + Water.
- Oil and natural gas form from decaying plant/animal matter.
Methods of Fossil Fuel Collection and Consequences
- Oil extraction involves drilling & pumping; leads to habitat destruction & potential spills.
- Natural gas is extracted through hydraulic fracturing (fracking); can also cause habitat destruction, water contamination, and earthquakes.
- Coal extraction (surface & subsurface) has environmental impacts (topsoil removal, habitat destruction).
Fracking (Hydraulic Fracturing)
- Improves gas extraction from rock formations but has environmental consequences.
- Fracking fluid (sand, water, chemicals) is pumped into rock layers to fracture them and release trapped gases.
- Environmental concerns: groundwater contamination, habitat destruction, air pollution, methane leakage, and induced seismicity.
Coal-Fired Power Plants
- Coal is pulverized for better combustion.
- Burning creates steam that turns a turbine/generator.
- Water is required for cooling & boiling.
- Environmental concerns: air pollution (sulfur, mercury), water depletion, and health problems (dust).
Nuclear Power
- Uses nuclear fission (splitting atoms) for electricity generation.
- Uranium fuel rods are used.
- Fission creates heat to produce steam for a turbine/generator.
- Low emissions, but problematic long-lived radioactive waste must be stored safely.
Problems with Spent Nuclear Fuel
- Spent fuel remains radioactive for thousands of years.
- Storage solutions are challenging to implement and require long-term planning due to lengthy radioactivitiy.
- Yucca Mountain, Nevada, was a planned storage site, but it did not meet requirements.
Nuclear Accidents
- Three Mile Island (1979), Chernobyl (1986), and Fukushima (2011): Each accident had unique causes, containment failure, or involved natural disaster factors.
Biomass Energy
- A major renewable energy source worldwide; directly used for heat in developing countries.
- Includes wood, peat, crop residue, manure.
- Burning biomass has both advantages and disadvantages (low cost, but air pollutants, deforestation).
Biofuels
- Liquid fuels from plant matter replacing petroleum products.
- Ethanol and biodiesel.
- Advantages: carbon neutral, often domestically produced.
- Disadvantages: lower net energy, can affect agricultural land/forests.
- Research focuses on sustainable sources like switchgrass or algae.
Solar Energy
- Photovoltaic (PV) cells convert sunlight directly to electricity.
- Active solar systems use solar energy to heat fluids, driving turbines.
- Passive solar systems use building design principles to directly capture and utilize solar heat.
Hydroelectric Power
- Dams and reservoirs generate electricity via moving water through turbines.
- Micro-hydropower and tidal power also use water movement.
- Disadvantages include habitat disruption, flooding, and altering river systems.
Geothermal Energy
- Uses heat from Earth's interior to heat water/steam for electricity generation.
- Versatile for heating and power generation in suitable geological locations.
Hydrogen Fuel Cells
- Alternative to fossil fuels, using hydrogen as a fuel source.
- Hydrogen is split to release electrons; creates an electric current.
- Concerns: hydrogen is harder to collect and store; producing it from fossil fuels is not clean.
Wind Energy
- Wind turbines convert wind's kinetic energy to electricity.
- Disadvantages: bird mortality, location specific, and need for a backup power source on calm days.
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Description
This quiz explores the characteristics of nonrenewable and renewable energy sources, their environmental impacts, and trends in energy consumption. It covers key concepts associated with different types of fuels, including coal, oil, and natural gas. Test your knowledge on how energy resources affect the environment and economies.