Renewable and Non-Renewable Resources

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to renewable and non-renewable resources, energy consumption, fuel types, and environmental impacts.

Renewable Resources

Resources that are naturally replenished on a short time scale, such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, and biomass.

Non-Renewable Resources

Resources that are formed very slowly and cannot be replaced once used up, including coal, oil, natural gas, and uranium.

MECDs (More Economically Developed Countries)

Countries that primarily rely on fossil fuels and nuclear energy for their energy consumption.

LEDCs (Less Economically Developed Countries)

Countries that primarily rely on biomass sources like wood, charcoal, and dung.

Fossil Fuels

Natural substances formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals, including coal, oil, and natural gas.

Cogeneration

A process that produces electricity and useful heat at the same time to increase efficiency.

Uranium Isotope Used in Nuclear Power

U-235 is the uranium isotope primarily used for nuclear fission in power generation.

Photovoltaic Cells

Technology that converts sunlight directly into electricity.

Hydraulic Fracturing (Fracking)

A method of extracting natural gas by injecting high-pressure fluid to fracture rock.

Half-Life

The time required for half of a radioactive material to decay.

Ethanol Production in the USA

Ethanol is primarily produced from corn, which is less efficient compared to sugarcane.

Geothermal Energy

Energy derived from the heat stored beneath the Earth's surface.

Wind Energy

A renewable energy source where wind turns blades to generate electricity.

Negative Aspects of Solar Energy

Potential habitat loss and land use conflicts associated with solar farms.

Natural Gas Extraction Methods

Methods include drilling and fracking, with environmental impacts such as methane leaks.

Coal Types by Quality

Includes peat, lignite, bituminous, and anthracite, ranked from lowest to highest pollution and energy content.

Impacts of Dams

Negative impacts include flooded ecosystems, blocked fish migration, altered sediment flow, and displaced communities.