Energy Resources Lecture

A collection of flashcards covering vital information about energy resources from the lecture.

What are the two main categories of energy sources?

Renewables and non-renewables.

Name three types of fossil fuels.

Coal, petroleum, and natural gas.

What innovative energy source uses uranium?

Nuclear energy.

What percentage of the world's energy comes from fossil fuels?

Approximately 84%.

What do fossil fuels originate from?

The remains of ancient organisms, mostly plants and algae.

How does coal primarily form?

From terrestrial sources such as ancient swamps and forests.

What forms oil and natural gas?

Tiny marine organisms like phytoplankton and zooplankton that were buried under sediment.

What is the difference in carbon content between lignite and anthracite coal?

Anthracite has more carbon and burns more efficiently than lignite.

What are the environmental impacts of coal mining?

Habitat destruction, water pollution, and air pollution from burning.

What is clean coal technology?

Capturing CO2 emissions from coal plants and storing them underground.

What is the process of hydraulic fracturing used for?

To extract oil and gas from shale rock.

What is one major challenge of nuclear energy?

Handling nuclear waste.

What is biomass?

Organic matter that can be burned for energy or converted into biofuels.

What are two examples of biofuels mentioned?

Ethanol from corn and biodiesel from vegetable oils.

What is the rebound effect in energy consumption?

The idea that increasing efficiency can lead to increased consumption.

What is the main argument for transitioning to renewable energy?

To reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower environmental impacts.