Untitled Flashcards Set

Biomass

Organic material from plants and animals used as energy.

Charcoal

A solid fuel made by heating wood in low oxygen; it burns hotter and cleaner than wood.

Particulates

Tiny solid or liquid particles in the air from combustion that can cause respiratory issues.

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

A colorless, odorless gas from incomplete combustion, harmful when inhaled.

Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)

Gases from burning fossil fuels that contribute to smog and acid rain.

VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds)

Organic chemicals that evaporate easily and contribute to air pollution.

Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)

A greenhouse gas from burning fuels that contributes to climate change.

Biofuels

Liquid fuels from biomass, such as ethanol and biodiesel.

Ethanol

An alcohol-based fuel from fermenting plants like corn and sugarcane.

Biodiesel

A diesel alternative from vegetable oils or animal fats.

Passive solar

Uses building design to collect and distribute solar heat without mechanical systems.

Active solar

Uses mechanical devices to convert sunlight into usable energy.

Photovoltaic cells

Devices that convert sunlight directly into electricity using semiconductors.

Hydroelectricity

Electricity generated from moving water, such as through dams or rivers.

Tidal energy

Power generated from ocean tides moving turbines.

Ground source heat pumps

Devices that use stable underground temperatures for heating and cooling.

Fuel cell

A device that generates electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen.

Electrolysis

A process that uses electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen.

Wind energy

Electricity generated from wind-powered turbines.

Phantom loads

Energy consumed by electronics when turned off but still plugged in.

Smart grid

A modern electricity network that adjusts supply based on real-time demand.

Cogeneration

Using waste heat from electricity generation to heat buildings or water.

Thermal mass

Materials that store heat and release it slowly to regulate temperature.

Gasohol

A blend of gasoline and ethanol, usually containing 10% ethanol.

Flex-fuel E85

A fuel blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline used in flex-fuel vehicles.

Solar thermal system

A system that uses mirrors or lenses to concentrate sunlight and generate heat for electricity.

Salmon fish ladders

Steps that help fish migrate past dams.

Living off-the-grid

Generating your own power instead of relying on public utilities.