126. Nonrenewable energy – energy obtained from sources that are exhaustible, e.g., coal,
oil, natural gas, nuclear.
127. Renewable energy – energy from sources that are constantly being formed, e.g., solar,
water, earth’s heat. By 2010 the European Union had a goal to make 12% of all the power
come from renewable sources.
128. Fossil fuels – remains of ancient organisms that are changed into coal, oil, or natural
gas. Supply is limited. Getting and using them has environmental consequences.
129. Electric generator – a machine that converts mechanical energy, or motion, into
electrical energy. Steam turns a turbine which turns the generator which makes electricity.
130. Petroleum – “crude oil,” – oil that is pumped from the ground. Supplies 45% of the
world’s energy.
131. Natural Gas –gas consisting primarily of methane (CH4) that is associated with fossil
fuels. Important fuel source and as it is a clean, safe energy source (although it is highly
combustible) and represents 20% of the world’s nonrenewable energy.
132.
Oil Reserves – oil deposits that we already have found and can be accessed using
present technology. Tend to be located near major geologic features (folds, faults, and salt
domes) and are trapped under impermeable layers of rock. Most are in the Middle East, but
also the US, Venezuela, the North Sea, Siberia and Nigeria.
133. Nuclear Energy – the energy released by a fission or fusion reaction; the binding energy
from the nucleus of an atom. The force used to hold an atom’s nucleus together is 1 million
times stronger than chemical bonds between atoms.
134. Nuclear Fission – the splitting of the nucleus of a uranium atom by bombarding it with
atomic particles called neutrons. An uncontrolled nuclear fission results in the explosion of
an atomic bomb. In nuclear power stations, it is controlled. 17% of world’s electricity.
Nuclear Fusion – the process by which nuclei of small atoms combine to form a new, more
massive nucleus; the process releases energy.
135. Radiation and Radioactivity – the energy that is transferred as electromagnetic waves,
such as visible light and infrared waves.
136.
Active/Passive Solar Heating – Solar heating use’s the sun’s energy.
a. Passive Solar Heating: uses the sun’s energy to heat something directly (large
windows, lots of insulation)
b. Active Solar Heating: energy is gathered by collectors (solar panels) and used to
heat water or heat a building. About 8% of all the energy used in the United
States is to heat water – so solar collectors can save a lot of money.
137. Wind farm – big groups of wind turbines that make electricity. Fastest growing energy
source in the world. In California, 300,000 homes are by the wind only.
138. Biomass fuel – renewable sources of energy, e.g. wood, dung, plant material, wood
consumption has increased by 80% since 1960. Air pollution can result from burning wood.
139. Ethanol- a biofuel additive for gasoline made from ethyl alcohol. Bioethanol can be
made from common crops such as sugar cane, potato and corn.
140. Hydroelectric Energy - renewable source of energy produced by moving water. 20% of
world’s electricity. The hydroelectric dams do not cause air pollution – but they change
water flow and people need to relocate.
141. Geothermal Energy - renewable source of energy from heat in the earth’s crust. Heated
water is pumped up to turn a turbine. U.S. is world’s largest producer.
142. Alternative Energy - energy sources we are still deciding whether they are cost effective
enough to use, e.g., tides, hydrogen, ocean thermal.
143. Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion – (OTEC) –warm sea water is boiled in a vacuum
chamber, steam turns a turbine which runs an electric generator. Cold sea water cools the
steam and returns it to ocean.
144. Tidal Energy – energy created by using predictability of the earth’s tides. Tidal energy
has been harnessed as far back as 787 AD by using tide mills. Currently we use hydraulic
turbines that funnel the tides.
145. Fuel Cell – produces electricity chemically by combining hydrogen fuel with oxygen in
the air. Space shuttles use fuel cells. By 2010, video game players and phones will be
powered by fuel cells.
146. Energy Efficient – one way of reducing our need for energy. (The other is changing our
lifestyle!) The design of internal combustion engines has not changed since 1900 --- they
are not energy efficient! Hybrid cars are
147. CFL – Compact Fluorescent Light bulb – (not incandescent). CFL converts electric
energy to light. Uses less energy than incandescent bulbs (they convert energy to mostly
heat, not light.)
148. Hybrid Car- gasoline engine PLUS electric motor. Aerodynamic, lightweight, require less
energy to accelerate.
149. Energy Conservation – SAVING ENERGY. Bicycle to school! Insulate windows! Wash
clothes in cold water! What else?
150.
Steven Chu – Obama’s Secretary of Energy. Winner of Nobel Peace Prize for physics.
Devoted to stopping global climate change, investing in renewable energy, ending our
addiction to foreign oil and creating millions of green jobs.