Fossil fuels test

energy definition

the capacity to do work

work equation

work = force x distance (wfd)

force equation

force = acceleration x mass (fam)

energy equation

energy = mass x acceleration x distance (e = mad)

units of energy

• Calorie (kcal/kilocalorie)

• calorie

• BTU (british thermal unit)

• joule

• kWhr (kilowatt hour)

1st law of thermodynamics

energy cannot be created or destroyed; it just transfers from one form to another

types of energy

• kinetic

• physical potential

• electrical

• nuclear

• chemical potential

• thermal energy

• radiation

kinetic energy

energy of moving

physical potential energy

energy due to gravity

electrical energy

energy of moving electrons

nuclear energy

energy inside the nucleus

chemical potential

energy stored in chemical bonds

thermal energy

heat

radiation energy

light

2nd law of thermodynamics

basically says that the universe is getting more chaotic; the major takeaway is that nothing is 100% efficient, energy is “lost” to unintended consequences

energy efficiency equation

energy efficiency = useful energy out/total energy in

carbon in the atmosphere

fossil fuels have lead to increase in temperature globally as they release co2 into the atmosphere

co2 info

• a greenhouse gas (absorbs efficiently in the infrared which is what the earth is constantly emitting)

  • this light used to go to outer space, but now more is re-absorbed by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, heating us up for a second time

• oscillations are a result of the seasons; more co2 is in the atmosphere in the winter bc there is less photosynthesis due to less sunlight and colder temps

carbon footprint

each individual has an impact on the planet; this is referred to as ecological footprint, which is a measurement of the amount of land and water area that is required to provide the resources you use and absorb the waste you generate

biocapacity

describes the earth’s ability to provide resources and absorb waste

ecological footprints

have been on the rise for the last 50 years, more so in developed countries

people in urban areas tend to have lower footprints than those in suburban and rural areas due to smaller living spaces and less driving

how can individuals lower their footprint

• eat less meat (heck naw)

• eat locally grown food

• fly less

• drive less or use more fuel efficient cars

• live in smaller houses

• buy less pre-packaged goods