Energy: Fossil Fuels

A set of vocabulary flashcards related to fossil fuels, including definitions of key terms and concepts from the lecture.

Fossil Fuels

Energy sources formed from the anaerobic decomposition of buried dead organisms, containing high percentages of carbon and hydrocarbons.

Coal

A type of fossil fuel that is an organic rock made up of carbon, hydrogen, sulfur, and nitrogen.

Petroleum

A complex liquid mixture primarily made of carbon and hydrogen used as an energy source.

Natural Gas

A colorless and odorless fossil fuel primarily composed of methane, known for its clean burning properties.

Non-renewable Resources

Resources that take millions of years to form and are being depleted faster than they are being replaced.

Carbon Emissions

Greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels.

Acidification

The process by which fossil fuel emissions contribute to the lowering of pH in rainwater, lakes, rivers, and soils.

Heat Engine

A device that converts heat energy into mechanical work, utilizing heat from burning fossil fuels.

Fractional Distillation

A process used to separate a mixture into its component parts based on different boiling points.

High Heating Value

Refers to fuels that produce a significant amount of energy when combusted.

Lignite

A low rank coal with low heating value, typically used for electricity generation.

Bituminous Coal

A high rank coal known for its high heating value and used in electricity and steel production.

SO2 Emissions

Sulfur dioxide emissions produced primarily from burning fossil fuels, contributing to air pollution.

Natural Gas Combustion

The burning of natural gas, resulting mostly in carbon dioxide and water vapor, with minimal pollutants.

CNG (Compressed Natural Gas)

Natural gas that has been compressed for use as fuel in vehicles.

Low Rank Coal

A category of coal that includes lignite and sub-bituminous coal, characterized by its lower heating value.

High Rank Coal

A category of coal that includes bituminous and anthracite, characterized by its higher heating value.

Pollutants

Substances that cause pollution, commonly released from burning fossil fuels.

Ecosystem Impact

The adverse effects fossil fuel extraction and transportation can have on local ecosystems and biodiversity.

Hydrocarbon

Organic compounds made primarily of hydrogen and carbon, a major component of fossil fuels.

Oil Recovery Processes

Techniques used to extract oil from underground reservoirs, which can be environmentally challenging.

Oil Spill

The release of oil into the environment, usually into bodies of water, causing ecological damage.

Natural Gas Emissions

Emissions associated with natural gas combustion, primarily consisting of carbon dioxide and water vapor.

Waste Residue from Coal

Solid waste left after the combustion of coal, contributing to pollution.

Energy Consumption Percentage

A measure indicating the proportion of total energy consumption attributed to various energy sources.

Renewable Resources

Energy sources that are replenished naturally, such as wind, solar, and hydroelectric power.