Introduction to Fossil Fuels and Energy Sources

These flashcards cover key concepts related to fossil fuels, their formation, usage, and implications for future energy sources.

Fossil fuels are energy sources from __ that came from earlier geologic events.

living organisms

About __ of energy usage in the US is still fossil fuels.

80%

The original source of all fossil fuel energy is __.

the sun

Photosynthesis by ancient __ plays a key role in the formation of fossil fuels.

plants

Natural gas is primarily made up of __, which is CH4.

methane

Coal is mostly used for __ in the modern world.

electricity

The process of extracting natural gas called __ can have environmental downsides.

fracking

The three types of fossil fuels include coal, oil, and __.

natural gas

Petroleum oil is primarily used for __.

transportation

Understanding the difference between and reserves is key to discussing fossil fuel accessibility.

conventional, unconventional

Coal, oil, and gas were once considered __ energy sources.

alternative

Javon's paradox describes how increased efficiency can lead to __ use of a resource.

over

The use of __ for energy dates back to stone age times when humans first learned to use firewood.

biofuels

The rise of fossil fuel usage is closely tied to the __ Revolution.

Industrial

Natural gas is more __ compared to coal when used for energy.

clean

What type of fossil fuel has the highest carbon emissions during use? __

Coal

A major factor in the transition from coal to natural gas in the US has been due to __.

lower carbon footprint

The __ is the term used to describe renewable energy sources like wind and solar.

new renewables

Coal became the main heating fuel in England in the early __.

1600s

Ancient phytoplankton contributed to the formation of __ by performing photosynthesis.

fossil fuels