Unit Six: Energy Resources and Consumption Test Review

Flashcards on energy resources, fossil fuels, and renewable energy.

Non-renewable resources

These are in a set amount; once we run out, they are gone. They are consumed as we use them and not easily replaced (e.g., oil, natural gas, and coal).

Renewable resources

Energy sources that are easily replenished or do not get used up (e.g., solar energy, wind energy, geothermal, hydropower, tidal energy, and biomass).

Biomass

Wood and plant matter; considered renewable if used sustainably, allowing trees and plants to grow back.

Fossil Fuel Reserves: Coal

Largest amounts are found in Russia, the U.S., and China.

Fossil Fuel Reserves: Oil

Largest amounts are found in Iran, Saudi Arabia, Venezuela, and Canada.

Fossil Fuel Reserves: Natural Gas

Most commonly found in large reserves in the U.S., Russia, and Iran.

Energy Trends

As countries industrialize, they switch from biomass subsistence energy (wood) to fossil fuels or more advanced resources like nuclear power.

Biomass (as energy)

Often used as a subsistence form of energy in less industrialized countries for cooking and heating, including wood, peat, and charcoal.

Charcoal

A wood-based product, not the same as coal mined from the ground.

Coal Acquisition

Acquired through mining, which has significant environmental impacts such as land disturbance, erosion, and pollution.

Types of Coal: Lignite

A lower heat content, lower sulfur coal, less polluting but not particularly useful for energy.

Types of Coal: Bituminous

Most commonly used coal due to its large supply and excellent heat content but high in sulfur, making it very polluting.

Types of Coal: Anthracite

A high heat content, low sulfur, low polluting coal, mostly made up of carbon, but available in limited quantities.

Crude Oil

Drilled and pumped from the ground and converted into other types of fuel. Energy conversions can be inefficient.

Combustion

Process of reacting fossil fuels with oxygen to release energy, resulting in byproducts including carbon dioxide, water vapor, and particulates.

Cogeneration

Using excess heat from a power plant for another purpose, such as heating nearby buildings, to increase efficiency.

Natural Gas Extraction

Extracted through fracking or hydraulic fracturing, injecting water, sand, and chemicals at high pressure to shatter rock and release gas.

Fracking Problems

Potential to cause earthquakes and groundwater contamination due to chemicals injected into the ground.

Nuclear Power: Uranium-235

A radioactive isotope of uranium, creates a chain reaction (fission) when hit by a neutron, releasing heat to power turbines and generators.

Nuclear Power: Containment

Essential to keep radiation inside the reactor. High-level radioactive waste must be disposed of or stored on-site.

Thermal Pollution (Nuclear Plants)

Occurs when hot water from the reaction is emitted back into the reservoir, affecting the behavior and health of aquatic organisms.

Photovoltaic cells

The cells that we use to capture the sun's energy, and through a conductive material, transform it into electric energy.

Hydroelectric Dams

Have a turbine that spins as water passes over it, generating electricity. Can affect fish and alter river ecosystems.

Geothermal Power

Uses heat from the center of the Earth to heat water, produce steam, and spin a turbine to generate electricity.

Reservoir

The man-made river that backs up behind a dam once a dam is built.

Wind Power

Uses large turbines to generate electricity. Downsides include noise and potential harm to birds and bats.