Energy Sources and Their Impact
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Questions and Answers

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?

  • Solar energy
  • Nuclear energy
  • Natural gas
  • Petroleum (correct)

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?

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

What trend is observed in energy consumption as countries develop?

<p>The growth in energy needs leads to increased fossil fuel reliance. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant environmental consequence of deforestation related to energy sources?

<p>Increased soil erosion (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of coal is characterized by a high heat capacity and lower sulfur content?

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

Which energy source is considered the cleanest fossil fuel?

<p>Natural gas (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary use of charcoal in developing countries?

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

How is crude oil extracted from tar sands?

<p>By removing water and sand first (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to peat under heat and pressure over time?

<p>It transforms into lignite, bituminous, and anthracite coal. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why might an increase in gasoline prices lead to a shift towards electric cars?

<p>Consumers seek cheaper alternatives. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is cogeneration in the context of energy production?

<p>Generating useful heat and electricity simultaneously. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which countries were noted for having the most coal reserves in 2017?

<p>India and Russia (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary health risk associated with using peat indoors without proper ventilation?

<p>Indoor air pollution (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary consequence of hydraulic fracturing?

<p>It can lead to water contamination. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What process is utilized for collecting natural gas from the ground?

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

What type of mining does not directly involve people going underground?

<p>Surface mining (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What environmental impact is associated with coal-fired power plants?

<p>Respiratory health problems from coal dust (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of using water in a coal-fired power plant?

<p>To create steam for turbine operation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which component of nuclear power plants contains Uranium-235?

<p>Fuel rods (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a potential consequence of mining activities?

<p>Water depletion and habitat destruction (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens during the fission reaction of Uranium-235?

<p>Splitting of Uranium's nucleus and release of energy (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of using hydraulic fracturing compared to traditional drilling?

<p>It can contribute to increased seismic activity. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How are fossil fuels primarily formed?

<p>From the decay of ancient plants and animals. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one significant drawback of using nuclear power related to waste management?

<p>Storage of long-lived hazardous waste (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which incident resulted from a safety test gone wrong in a nuclear reactor?

<p>Chernobyl (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What causes the long-term radioactivity of spent Uranium-235?

<p>It gathers neutrons and forms heavier isotopes (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is essential for a nuclear power plant's safety during a meltdown?

<p>Availability of cooling materials (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of nuclear waste, what does the term 'half-life' refer to?

<p>The time for half of an atomic nucleus to decay (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What major environmental concern is associated with mining for uranium?

<p>Underground water contamination (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What makes Yucca Mountain a controversial site for nuclear waste storage?

<p>Public opposition based on NIMBY attitudes (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a contributing factor to the accidents at Fukushima?

<p>A severe earthquake and tsunami (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a renewable energy source?

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

What was the primary reason behind the station blackout at Three Mile Island?

<p>Malfunction of the water pump (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant health concern associated with burning biomass indoors?

<p>Trapped air pollutants intensifying health effects (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which biofuel is produced through the fermentation of plant-based starches?

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

What is a major drawback of using biofuels produced from monoculture agricultural practices?

<p>Decreased land fertility (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do photovoltaic solar cells generate electricity?

<p>By capturing light energy and releasing electrons (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of active solar energy systems compared to passive ones?

<p>Higher installation costs (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which option describes a characteristic of passive solar energy systems?

<p>Absorbs heat directly from the sun (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential environmental consequence of large solar energy farms?

<p>Negative impact on desert ecosystems (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key principle behind tidal power generation?

<p>Conversion of kinetic energy from current to electrical energy (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable advantage of hydroelectric power?

<p>It does not create waste or air pollution (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which agricultural crops are commonly associated with biodiesel production?

<p>Soybeans and oil palms (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What limitation affects the collection and storage of energy in passive solar systems?

<p>Inability to store energy long-term (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What economic aspect is a challenge when implementing solar energy systems?

<p>High installation expenses (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which method of hydroelectric power generation also includes recreational benefits?

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

What characteristic of switchgrass makes it a more sustainable crop for biofuel production?

<p>Perennial growth cycle (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant disadvantage of geothermal energy?

<p>It can deplete heat in the rocks if water is pumped down too quickly. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does a hydrogen fuel cell generate electricity?

<p>Through a chemical reaction that produces water vapor and electric current. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What environmental impact is associated with wind energy?

<p>Bird fatalities due to turbine collisions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a method to conserve energy?

<p>Using battery electric vehicles (BEV). (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main challenges in utilizing hydrogen as a fuel source?

<p>Producing hydrogen from water or methane consumes energy. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant advantage of geothermal energy compared to solar and wind energy?

<p>It is not dependent on variable weather patterns. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which gas is primarily released during the processing of geothermal energy?

<p>Hydrogen sulfide. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why might hydrogen fuel cells decrease in price over time?

<p>As production scales up, manufacturing costs decrease. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a benefit of wind energy specifically relating to land use?

<p>It can coexist with agricultural uses of land. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main output of a hydrogen fuel cell during operation?

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

What factor can affect the efficiency of wind energy generation?

<p>The consistency of wind and minimal obstruction. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which region is geothermal energy most abundant?

<p>Regions with heat near the Earth's crust surface. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What critical role does the turbine play in geothermal energy systems?

<p>It converts kinetic energy of steam into electrical energy. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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

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

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

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

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

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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

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

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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

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

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

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

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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)

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

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

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

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

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

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Biofuels

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

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Ethanol

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

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Biodiesel

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

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Photovoltaic Solar Energy

Energy captured from the sun and converted directly into electricity.

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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

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

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Hydroelectric Power

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

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Microhydropower

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

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Tidal Power

Generating electricity using the flow of tides in the ocean.

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Air Pollution

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

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Monoculture

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

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Net Energy

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

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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

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

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Fish ladder

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

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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

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

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

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Hydrogen fuel cell

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

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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)

A vehicle powered by a hydrogen fuel cell.

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Wind energy

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

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Energy conservation

Reducing energy consumption to decrease environmental impact.

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Conservation landscaping

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

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CAFE standards (Corporate Average Fuel Economy)

Government regulations that set minimum fuel efficiency standards for vehicles.

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Battery electric vehicle (BEV)

Vehicle powered by a battery that is charged by electricity.

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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

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

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Study Notes

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.
  • 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.

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