Apes unit 6a

What does 'aerobic' refer to in energy production?

Processes that need oxygen to occur.

What does 'anaerobic' refer to in energy production?

Processes that do not need oxygen.

What is nonrenewable energy?

Comes from sources that cannot be quickly replenished, like fossil fuels.

What is renewable energy?

Comes from sources that can be naturally replaced in a short time, like sunlight or wind.

What is cogeneration?

The process of producing both electricity and useful heat from the same energy source at the same time.

What is fusion in energy production?

The process where two small atomic nuclei come together to form a heavier nucleus while releasing energy.

What is fission in energy production?

When a heavy atomic nucleus splits into two lighter nuclei and releases energy.

What is a meltdown in nuclear energy terms?

A serious accident in a nuclear reactor where the core becomes damaged due to overheating.

What is thermal pollution?

The damage to water quality caused by discharging hot water into it.

What are reserves in the context of energy resources?

The amounts of energy sources that can be extracted from the ground and used profitably.

What is fracking?

A way to get oil or gas from deep underground by pumping fluid into rocks to break them apart.

What is anthracite?

The highest quality of coal with a lot of carbon, making it very efficient for energy.

What is bituminous coal?

A common type of coal used to produce electricity and make steel.

What is lignite?

A low-grade coal that is brown and has the least energy content among coals.

What is peat?

A layer of partially decayed plant material that can eventually turn into coal.

What are the advantages of coal?

Cheap, abundant, and has an established system for extraction and use.

What are the disadvantages of coal?

Bad for the environment due to high carbon emissions and air pollution.

What are the advantages of oil?

Has a high energy density, is versatile, and uses a well-established infrastructure for transportation.

What are the disadvantages of oil?

Leads to pollution, creates greenhouse gases, and can spill into the environment.

What are the advantages of natural gas?

Burns cleaner than coal or oil and produces less carbon dioxide.

What are the disadvantages of natural gas?

Can leak methane, is nonrenewable, and may have limited availability in some areas.

What are the advantages of fracking?

Allows access to oil and gas reserves that were previously hard to reach.

What are the disadvantages of fracking?

Can cause water contamination, small earthquakes, and uses large amounts of water.

What are the advantages of nuclear energy?

Produces low emissions while operating and generates a lot of energy.

What are the disadvantages of nuclear energy?

Creates radioactive waste, has a risk of accidents, and requires a high initial investment.

What are the major energy sources used in the world today?

The main sources today are oil, coal, natural gas, nuclear energy, and renewables.

What role do fossil fuels play in energy production?

The main sources of energy used for electricity, heating, and transportation.

What conditions are needed for peat to form?

Forms in wet and acidic areas where there is little oxygen, slowing down decomposition.

What conditions are needed for coal to form?

Forms from peat that is buried under heat and pressure over millions of years without oxygen.

What is the order of grades of coal from lowest to highest energy content?

The order from lowest to highest energy content is peat, lignite, bituminous coal, and anthracite.

Which form of coal is often used for domestic heating?

A type of coal that is often used in homes for heating.

Which countries have the largest coal reserves?

The countries with the biggest coal reserves are China, the United States, Australia, and India.

Where in the U.S. are there many coal mines?

Coal mines can be found primarily in the Appalachian region, Illinois Basin, and Powder River Basin.

Why has the use of coal been decreasing?

Has decreased because of environmental concerns and competition from natural gas and renewable energy.

What conditions are needed for oil to form?

Forms from organic material that is heated and pressured over millions of years.

What type of rock layer is needed for oil and gas deposits to accumulate?

Deposits accumulate in rocks that are both porous and permeable, allowing fluids to move through.

Under what type of rock layers do oil and gas deposits accumulate?

Deposits are found below rock layers that have low permeability.

Which region has been the largest exporter of petroleum for the last four decades?

The Middle East has been the largest petroleum exporter for the last forty years.

Why has oil use increased?

Has increased due to rising global demand, industrial activities, and transportation needs.

How is fracking fluid used in the fracking process?

Injected into rock to create fractures that allow oil or gas to flow out.

What is a negative geologic effect of fracking?

Can cause small earthquakes in areas not usually prone to seismic activity.

What is the fuel used in nuclear power?

Uranium is used in nuclear power plants.

Why is nuclear energy considered nonrenewable?

Nonrenewable because uranium is a finite resource that forms over millions of years.

What are the steps necessary to generate electricity from nuclear power?

In nuclear power, heat from fission creates steam, which turns turbines that generate electricity.

Where is heat produced in a nuclear power plant?

Produced in the reactor core of the nuclear power plant.

What impact does releasing coolant water from a nuclear power plant have on water quality?

Can increase water temperature, potentially harming fish and other aquatic life.

Where does radiation come from during a nuclear meltdown?

Can be released from the damaged reactor core and any radioactive materials that escape.

Where is high-level radioactive waste stored?

Stored deep underground in special geological repositories.

Where is low-level radioactive waste typically stored?

Often stored in facilities near the surface of the ground.