Combustion, Fossil Fuels and Nuclear Power

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to combustion, fossil fuels, and nuclear power based on the lecture notes.

Combustion

The process of burning something, typically releasing heat.

Emissions

Gases released by power plants including water vapor, CO2, and sulfur.

Natural Gas (NG)

A cleaner-burning fossil fuel that produces less pollution and is easier to manage.

Coal Ash

Waste material produced from burning coal, requiring careful storage due to environmental risks.

Nuclear Fission

The splitting of atoms, such as Uranium-235, that releases a significant amount of heat.

Hydraulic Fracturing (Fracking)

A method of extracting natural gas and petroleum that can pose environmental risks.

Flaring

The burning of waste methane at oil rigs to convert it to CO2, which is a less potent greenhouse gas.

Half-life

The time required for half of a radioactive substance to decay, indicating its stability.

Yucca Mountain

Proposed site for nuclear waste storage that faces public opposition in Nevada.

Nuclear Accident

An unexpected event that compromises the safety of a nuclear power plant, potentially leading to radiation release.