Unit 6 Energy Resources and Consumption

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms related to energy resources and consumption, designed to aid in understanding and retention for the upcoming exam.

Nonrenewable Energy Resource

Energy sources that exist in a fixed amount and cannot be easily replaced.

Renewable Energy Resources

Energy sources that can be replenished naturally at or near the rate of consumption.

Peak Oil

The theoretical point at which global oil production reaches its maximum rate.

Energy Intensity

The amount of energy consumed per unit of economic output.

Cogeneration

The simultaneous production of electricity and useful heat from the same energy source.

Fossil Fuels

Natural energy sources formed from the decomposed remains of ancient plants and animals.

Hydraulic Fracturing (Fracking)

A method of extracting fossil fuels that can contaminate groundwater and release volatile organic compounds.

Nuclear Fission

The process of splitting atomic nuclei, releasing energy used in nuclear power generation.

Biomass

Organic material used as fuel, including wood, crop waste, and animal manure.

Photovoltaic Solar Cells

Devices that convert light energy directly into electrical energy.

Hydroelectric Power

Electricity generated by using flowing water to spin turbines.

Wind Turbine

A device that converts kinetic energy from wind into mechanical energy to produce electricity.

Energy Return on Energy Investment (EROEI)

A measure of how much energy is obtained from an energy source compared to how much energy is invested in obtaining that energy.

Radioactive Decay

The process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation.

Half-Life

The time required for half the quantity of a radioactive substance to decay.

Active Solar Energy Systems

Systems that use mechanical and electric equipment to collect and store solar energy.

Geothermal Energy

Energy derived from the heat stored within the Earth.

Hydrogen Fuel Cells

Devices that convert hydrogen and oxygen into electricity, with water as the only byproduct.

Energy Efficiency

Using less energy to provide the same service or output.

Conservation Landscaping

Designing landscapes to reduce energy use, water use, and environmental impact.