Unit 5 Renewable and Non-Renewable Resources

Renewable Energy

Energy that comes from a resource that is easily replenished and cannot run out.

Nonrenewable Energy

Energy resource that has a limited amount that cannot be replenished within the human lifetime.

Wind

Renewable, mechanical energy.

Solar

Renewable, radiant energy from the sun.

Hydroelectric

Renewable, kinetic energy from moving water.

Biomass

Renewable, burning of organic material. (Ethanol, wood, etc)

Geothermal

From the heat of the Earth. (Usually underground)

Nuclear

Fission & fusion, a process that releases a great amount of energy

Fission

Splitting the nuclei of atoms—used by power plants

Fusion

Joining the nuclei of atoms—not yet possible for energy production in Earth. (Sun and other stars)

Positives of Nuclear Energy

Provides a great amount of energy

Does not release greenhouse gases

Spent nuclear fuel can be recycled to make fuel and byproducts

Negatives of Nuclear Energy

Can be hazardous

Nuclear waste is difficult to dispose and store of

Fossil Fuels

Natural gas, coal, oil (petroleum)

Positives of fossil fuels

Easier to store and transport

Currently inexpensive

Reliable

Negatives of fossil fuels

Pollute the environment (air, water, land)

Release greenhouse gases, which contribute to climate change

They will run out, or be too costly to extract

Can be dangerous (accidents)