6.1 & 6.2 : renewable vs. nonrenewable energy sources/ Global energy consumption

What is a renewable energy source?

Can be replenished naturally, at or near the rate of consumption.

What are depletable renewables? An example?

Can run out if overused

Ex: biomass

What are nondepletable renewables? An example?

Do not run out if overused

Ex: solar, wind, geothermal

What is a nonrenewable energy source?

Exist in fixed amounts on earth and can’t easily be replaced or regenerated

What are fossil fuels?

Remains of ancient biomass that take millions of years to form

Ex: coal, oil, nat. gas

What is nuclear energy?

Energy generated from uranium or other radioactive fuels

What is the key to renewable energy?

Rate of use must be at or below rate of regeneration for renewables

6.1 question: Define what a renewable energy source is and provide an example

Natural resource that can be replenished naturally over time and is sustainable for long-term use. Example: solar energy

6.1 question: Define what a nonrenewable energy source is and provide an example.

Natural resource that exists in limited quantities and cannot be replenished within a human lifespan once it is consumed. Example: coal

6.1 question: Identify and describe a potentially renewable energy source.

Biomass energy – This comes from organic materials like wood, crop waste, and animal manure. If harvested and regrown sustainably, biomass can provide a continuous source of energy. However, excessive deforestation or unsustainable farming can make it nonrenewable.

(6.2) Developed nations vs developing nations

Developed nations use more energy per capita but developing nations use more energy in total (higher population)

What’s the most used energy source? and why?

Fossil fuels because it is used for so many things.

Example: oil →gasoline = main fuel for vehicles

Coal = main fuel for electricity gen

Nat gas = secondary fuel for electricity gen and main fuel for heating

What is hydroelectric energy?

It is the second largest energy source. Water spins a turbine which generates electricity

What is nuclear energy?

It is the third largest energy source. Uranium fission releases heat to turn water into steam to turn a turbine to generate electricity

What are subsistence fuels?

Biomass that can easily be gathered/purchased

Ex: wood, charcoal

6.2 question: Define subsistence fuel and describe why these fuels are more utilized in less developed countries.

This is readily available, locally gather fuel sources like wood, animal waste, etc which people in less developed countries can often rely on because it is easily accessible and affordable.

6.2 question: Explain why developed nations have higher per capita energy consumption than developing countries.

It is higher per capita (per person) because of higher income levels. The more wealth someone has the more they can afford goods and services that require the use of resources

6.2 question: Describe how the global use of fossil fuels as an energy source compares to other sources of energy.

Fossil fuels account for roughly 80% of global energy consumption.

6.2 question: Identify a factor that influences use of an energy source and describe how a change in that factor would impact use.

Government regulation - subsidies can increase the use of an energy resource while increased taxes or regulations can decrease use of an energy source