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Unit 4 vocab
Term | Definition |
---|---|
renewable source | any material or energy source that cycles or can be replaced within the period of a human life span |
solar energy | radiant energy emitted by the sun |
biomass fuels | organic matter stored in solar energy |
geothermal energy | heat that is transferred by water, which can be brought to the surface and used to drive electric generators and heat homes and other buildings. |
nonrenewable resources | a material or energy source that cannot be replaced during the time of a human life span |
fossil fuels | when wood, peat, charcoal, oil, coal, and natural gas are burned, stored, or fossilized and energy is released |
solar thermal system | concentrates sunlight to produce heat to boil water and produce steam |
photovoltaic system | converts solar energy directly into electricity to pump water, light highways, and power electrical systems far away from power lines. |
passive solar system | a system which the suns energy is collected in large south facing windows, absorbed by tiles or bricks, and released when the air above the absorbing materials is cooler than the absorbing materials. |
conservation | the wise and careful use of a resource so that it may be available for future generations |
preservation | setting a resource aside so that it will not be used by this or future generations |