Unit 6 Apes

Nonrenewable energy sources

Energy sources that will be depleted faster than they can be replenished within one human lifetime.

Fossil fuels

Fuels that formed from the compression of dead biomass; require burning for energy and are not sustainable.

Nonrenewable energy sources

Energy sources that will be depleted faster than they can be replenished within one human lifetime.

Fossil fuels

Fuels that formed from the compression of dead biomass; require burning for energy and are not sustainable.

Renewable energy sources

Energy sources that can be replenished during a human’s lifetime.

Biofuels

Fuels derived from living organisms, such as plants, that can be used as alternatives to fossil fuels.

Cogeneration

The process of using leftover energy from generating electricity to heat a building, conserving energy.

Hubbert curve

A graph that shows the estimated peak and decline of oil production and consumption.

Energy return on energy investment (EROEI)

A measure of how much energy is gained for the energy invested in obtaining a resource.

Coal

A fossil fuel formed from the compression of peat and organic material over millions of years.

Natural gas

A fossil fuel created above oil reserves, often accessed through drilling and fracking.

Fracking

A method to extract natural gas by injecting high-pressure liquid into subterranean rocks.

Hydroelectric energy

Electricity generated by harnessing the kinetic energy of moving water.

Solar energy

Energy harnessed from the sun, can be passive or active, including photovoltaic systems.

Geothermal energy

Energy harnessed from the heat of the Earth's interior, can be used for heating and electricity.

Wind energy

Energy generated by turbines that convert wind movement into electricity.

Nuclear fission

The process of splitting an atomic nucleus to release energy, used in nuclear reactors.

Carbon neutral fuels

Fuels that do not add additional carbon dioxide to the atmosphere when burned.

Sustainable design

An architectural approach that minimizes resource use and energy consumption.

Biomass

Organic materials used as fuel; includes wood, crop residues, and animal waste.

Electricity generation

The process of generating electrical power from various energy sources.

Energy conservation

Efforts made to reduce energy consumption through various processes and technologies.

Petroleum

Crude oil that is refined and used to produce gasoline and other fuels.

Hydrogen fuel cells

Devices that convert hydrogen and oxygen into electricity, with water as the only byproduct.