5. Mains electricity - Fossil fuels and electricity

Fossil fuels

Energy sources made from ancient plants and animals buried underground

Coal

A black rock burned to make electricity

Oil

A liquid fuel used to make petrol for cars

Natural gas

A gas used for heating and cooking in homes

Electricity

Power that makes things like TVs and computers work

Renewable energy

Energy from sources that don't run out, like sun and wind

Non-renewable energy

Energy from sources that can run out, like fossil fuels

Steam

Hot water vapor that turns turbines to make electricity

Turbine

A machine that spins to generate power

Generator

A device that produces electricity

Climate change

Changes in Earth's weather patterns over time

Energy saving

Using less power to help protect the environment

Illegal connection

A dangerous way of connecting to electricity without permission

Solar energy

Power from the sun's rays

Wind energy

Power from moving air

Water energy

Power from flowing or falling water

Power station

A place where electricity is made

Mining

Digging underground to get coal and other materials

Sediment

Tiny bits of rock and soil that settle at the bottom of water

Prehistoric

Very old, from a time before written history