Unit 4.8/5: Renewable Energy Resources

Study Notes

Inexhaustible Energy Resources

Inexhaustible resources are continuously available and replenished; include biomass, geothermal, and wind energy.
Considered renewable if recovery exceeds consumption.

Solar Energy

Radiant energy emitted by the sun, harnessed for various energy needs.

Passive Solar Energy

Utilizes building design elements (walls, floors, roofs) to control and store thermal energy from sunlight.
Aims to maximize natural heating without mechanical systems.

Active Solar Energy

Involves systems that collect and transfer heat using substances like air or liquids.
Air collectors absorb solar energy, actively converting it for heating.

Wind Energy

A form of solar energy derived from the kinetic energy of moving air.
Wind turbines convert wind's kinetic energy into mechanical power, which is then turned into electricity by a generator.

Wind Farm

A designated area containing multiple windmills or turbines that generate energy.

Turbine

A machine designed to produce continuous power through a wheel or rotor moved by a fast-flowing fluid (water, steam, gas, air).

Hydroelectric Energy

Energy produced from the movement of water, utilizing gravity to harness kinetic energy as water flows or falls.

Dam

A constructed barrier that holds back water to create a reservoir, used for electricity generation or water supply.

Geothermal Energy

Heat energy generated and stored within the Earth, derived from radioactive decay and residual heat from Earth's formation.
The term "geothermal" combines Greek words for "earth" and "hot."

Renewable Energy Resources

Energy sourced from renewables, naturally replenished within a human timescale, including sunlight, wind, rain, tides, waves, and geothermal heat.

Biomass Energy

Derived from living or recently living materials, both plant and animal, used as fuel.
Examples include plant material for electricity generation and fossil fuels from animals.

Description

Explore flashcards that cover inexhaustible and renewable energy resources. Learn definitions and examples including biomass, geothermal, wind, and solar energy. This is an essential topic for understanding sustainable energy practices.