final study guide

Renewable Energy

Resources that are replenished naturally over short periods (human timescales).

Non-Renewable Energy

Resources that exist in fixed amounts and take millions of years to form.

Primary Use of Petroleum in 2022

Transportation.

Primary Use of Natural Gas in 2022

Electricity generation and heating.

Four Main Concerns Over Energy Use

Environmental Impact, Resource Depletion, Energy Security, Cost/Economic Volatility.

Coal

A solid fossil fuel formed from ancient plant matter; it's the dirtiest fossil fuel, releasing high levels of CO₂, sulfur dioxide, and mercury when burned.

Natural Gas

Primarily Methane (CH₄), extracted largely from shale rock via fracking, burns cleaner than coal or oil.

Solar Power - Passive Solar

Designing buildings to naturally soak up heat, such as using south-facing windows.

Solar Power - Active Solar

Using collectors to heat water or air.

Solar Power - Photovoltaic Cells

Converting sunlight directly into electricity.

Pros of Solar Power

Zero emissions and low maintenance.

Cons of Solar Power

High upfront costs and intermittency (doesn't work at night).

Biomass

Organic matter burned for heat or converted into biofuels like ethanol.

Wind Energy

Wind turns blades connected to a generator.

Pros of Wind Energy

No emissions; land underneath can still be farmed.

Cons of Wind Energy

Threat to birds/bats, noise, and visual pollution.

Hydropower

Uses the energy of falling or flowing water (usually via dams) to spin turbines.

Pros of Hydropower

Reliable and cheap once built.

Cons of Hydropower

Disrupts fish migration and floods large areas of land.

Geothermal Energy

Using heat from the Earth's interior for heating or electricity.

Tidal Energy

Using the rise and fall of tides to spin underwater turbines.

Nuclear Energy in Renewable Context

Technically non-renewable because Uranium is finite, but often grouped here since it is carbon-free.

Pros of Nuclear Energy

Massive energy output and no greenhouse gas emissions.

Cons of Nuclear Energy

Radioactive waste disposal, risk of accidents, and high construction costs.

Energy Conservation Techniques

Improving home insulation, using LED bulbs, and choosing energy-efficient appliances.

Solar Potential in South Carolina

High potential for residential and utility-scale solar farms.

Offshore Wind Potential in South Carolina

Strong potential along the coast.

Biomass Potential in South Carolina

Due to the large timber and forestry industry.