click below
click below
Normal Size Small Size show me how
Energy Sources
Types of energy sources
Term | Definition |
---|---|
Fossil Fuels | Fuels formed from the remains of ancient plant and animals that were buried and altered over millions of years. *Easy to access *Lots of energy per gram |
Fossil Fuels - Petroleum | Flammable liquid hydrocarbon mixture formed from decay of ancient organisms. *Plankton and algae |
Fossil Fuels - Fractional Distillation | Process that separates petroleum hydrocarbons. *Commonly used in homes *Harmful leaks *Warming the atmosphere |
Fossil Fuels - Natural Gases | A fossil fuel composed mostly of methane gas, and also propane and butane. |
Fossil Fuels - Coal | Solid fossil fuel that can be mined. *90% is used for electricity generation *Many impurities and pollutants |
Non-Renewable Resources | Resources that are not able to be replaced by natural processes as quickly as they are used. *Fossil Fuels |
Nuclear Reactor | A power plant that uses energy from controlled nuclear fission of U-235 to generate electricity. |
Nuclear Waste | Any radioactive material that results when radioactive materials are used. |
Renewable Resources | Energy sources that are replaced by natural processes faster than humans can consume. |
Photovoltaic Cells | Converts radiant energy directly into electrical energy (solar cells). |
Hydroelectricity | Electric current produced from the energy of falling water. |
Tidal Energy | Generating electricity by using movement of water created by tides. |
Wind Energy | Using mechanical energy of wind to generate electricity. |
Geothermal Energy | Thermal energy contained in and around magma. |
Biomass | Renewable organic matter such as wood, soy, corn, sugar cane, fibers, rice nulls, and animal manure that can be burned to generate thermal energy. |