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Nonrenewable energy

Energy that cannot be replenished quickly (coal, oil, natural gas, uranium) and has a finite supply.

Renewable energy

Energy naturally replenished (solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, biomass) that lowers greenhouse gas emissions.

Kilowatt-hour (kWh)

Unit for electrical energy in homes, measured as 1 kW used for 1 hour.

Transportation or industrial

Sector using the most energy in the U.S.; transportation uses most petroleum.

Power vs Energy

Power is the rate energy is used (watts), while energy is the total work done (joules, kWh).

Per capita energy consumption

Energy used per person, higher in developed countries, indicating standard of living.

Environmental impact of high energy use

Air pollution, climate change, habitat destruction due to fossil fuel burning.

Coal, oil, natural gas

The three major fossil fuels.

Coal

Fossil fuel with the most CO₂ emissions per energy produced.

Incomplete combustion forms

Carbon monoxide (CO), which is a toxic gas that forms when oxygen is insufficient.

Habitat destruction, acid mine drainage

Environmental impacts associated with coal mining.

Mountaintop removal

Mining method involving removing mountaintops to access coal, which destroys ecosystems.

Offshore drilling risks

Oil spills that harm ecosystems and damage marine life.

Hydraulic fracturing (fracking)

Method of injecting high-pressure fluid to fracture rock and release natural gas.

Concern with fracking

Groundwater contamination and methane leaks that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.

Natural gas

Cleaner fossil fuel compared to coal, producing less CO₂ and fewer air pollutants.

Major disadvantage of fossil fuels

Pollution and finite supply, contributing to climate change.

Uranium (U-235)

Fuel used in nuclear plants.

Nuclear fission

The process in nuclear plants where splitting atoms releases heat.

Radioactive waste

Dangerous byproducts from nuclear fission, remaining hazardous for thousands of years.

Advantage of nuclear energy

Low greenhouse gas emissions with high energy density.

Disadvantage of nuclear energy

Radioactive waste, accident risk, and high costs associated with nuclear plants.

Nuclear meltdown

A severe overheating of a reactor leading to radiation release.

Long-term storage challenges

Difficulties in securing radioactive waste that remains dangerous for thousands of years.

Solar energy conversion

Process of converting radiant energy (sunlight) into electricity.

Advantage of solar energy

It is renewable and has low emissions.

Limitation of solar energy

Intermittent availability as it only works when sunny.

Wind generation causes

Created by uneven heating of Earth’s surface leading to pressure differences.

Environmental impact of wind turbines

Includes bird/bat mortality, noise, and visual impact.

Hydroelectric dams generate power

By spinning turbines connected to generators using moving water.

Advantage of hydroelectric power

Renewable energy with low emissions once built.

Disadvantages of dams

Habitat flooding and disruption of fish migration.

Geothermal energy

Heat extracted from the Earth’s interior, considered renewable.

Biomass energy sources

Energy derived from organic matter such as wood, crops, and waste.

Environmental concern with biomass

Air pollution, deforestation, and CO₂ emissions associated with its use.

Energy efficiency

Using less energy to accomplish the same task, expressed as a percentage.

Energy conservation

The practice of reducing energy use, such as turning off lights.

LED efficiency

Converts more energy to light and less to heat compared to traditional bulbs.

Insulation function

Reduces energy use by minimizing heat loss or gain.

Cogeneration (combined heat & power)

Producing electricity and heat simultaneously to enhance efficiency.

Energy subsidy

Financial support from the government for certain energy sources.

Government encouragement for renewables

Involves tax credits, incentives, and regulations to promote renewable energy.

Sustainability in energy

Meeting current energy needs while ensuring future generations can meet theirs.

Environmental externality

Costs not included in market price, such as pollution-related health costs.

Environmental justice example

Power plants sited near low-income communities, leading to unequal pollution burdens.

Reducing energy use effect on climate change

Helps mitigate climate change by lowering greenhouse gas emissions.