Energy, Resources, and Sustainability Flashcards

Flashcards based on lecture notes about energy, resources, and sustainability.

How is electricity produced using a turbine?

A turbine spins a generator to produce electricity.

Wind energy is what type of resource?

Renewable resource.

What energy source uses the motion of the ocean to generate electricity?

Tidal energy.

Where do mine fires typically start, and what is a consequence?

Underground coal seams; respiratory problems due to smoke and gases.

Are plants considered renewable resources?

Yes.

Is nuclear power a renewable or non-renewable resource?

Non-renewable resource.

What is the term for rock containing a high concentration of minerals profitable for mining?

Ore.

What is coal primarily used for?

Heating.

Which of the following is NOT one of the three pillars of sustainability: Neighborhood, Environment, Social, or Economic?

Neighborhood.

What does 'prevent' mean in the context of events?

To stop an event from occurring before it happens.

What type of power plant uses the energy of running water trapped behind a dam?

Hydroelectric power plant.

What term describes using a resource for a long time without it running out?

Sustainability.

What is the source of solar energy?

The sun.

What is the introduction of harmful substances into the environment called?

Pollution.

What are non-renewable resources?

Resources that cannot be replaced.

What characteristic is true about all minerals?

They are inorganic.

Using a watering can instead of a hose is an example of what?

Reducing water use.

What is an example of conserving water?

Taking a short shower.

What is coal?

The solid form of fossil fuels.

What should you do with paper to help the environment?

Recycle it.

Turning off the lights when leaving a room is an example of what conservation behavior?

Reducing energy use.

What are gases such as CO2, methane, nitrous oxide, water vapor, and ozone, that contribute to the greenhouse effect called?

Greenhouse gases.

What should you do with egg shells to help the environment?

Compost them.

What should you do with a cardboard box to help the environment?

Recycle it.

What is a fossil fuel, and what are some examples?

Fuel created from once-living organisms; coal, oil, natural gas.

How is electricity generated in a nuclear power plant?

Uranium atoms are split.

What mineral is mined as a fuel source for nuclear power?

Uranium.

What is recycling?

To make new items out of old items.

What is solution mining?

Miners pump a chemical solution to leach resources from ore instead of removing it from the ground.

What is a key characteristic of a mineral?

Crystalline structure.

Are oil, coal, and natural gas renewable or non-renewable resources?

Non-renewable resources.

What are tailings?

Finely ground leftovers after valuable metals are removed from ore.

Where must tunnels be dug for subsurface mining?

Underground.