AP Environmental Science Exam Review

Flashcards to assist in studying key terms and concepts for the AP Environmental Science exam.

Renewable Energy Sources

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

Nonrenewable Energy Sources

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

Biomass

Organic material used as a fuel source, which can contribute to deforestation if overharvested.

Fossil Fuels

Decomposed and fossilized remains of ancient biomass, primarily used for energy, such as coal, oil, and natural gas.

Hydraulic Fracturing (Fracking)

A method of extracting natural gas by cracking rock formations using pressurized water.

Photovoltaic Cells (PV)

Solar panels that convert sunlight directly into electrical energy.

Thermal Pollution

Heat released into the environment from power generation processes, which can harm aquatic ecosystems.

Cogeneration

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

Ethanol

A biofuel made from the fermentation of plant sugars, used as a substitute for gasoline.

Geothermal Energy

Energy derived from the heat stored in the Earth's interior, used to generate electricity.

Energy Conservation

Methods aimed at reducing energy consumption through efficiency improvements and behavioral changes.

Wind Turbines

Devices that convert the kinetic energy of wind into electrical energy.

Hydroelectric Power

Electricity generated by using the kinetic energy of flowing water to turn turbines.

Nuclear Fission

The process by which the nucleus of an atom splits into smaller parts, releasing a large amount of energy.

Greenhouse Gases (GHGs)

Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming.

Carbon Neutral

A process or activity that does not increase atmospheric CO2 levels; often associated with biomass.

Tidal Energy

Energy generated from the movement of tides, utilized to turn turbines.