ENERGY AND FOSSIL FUELS
Where does most of the energy used today come from? Most of the energy used today comes from organisms that lived hundreds of millions of years ago.
What are fossil fuels? Fossil fuels are energy-rich substances formed from the remains of once living organisms.
Name the three fossil fuels. The three fossil fuels are oil, natural gas, and coal.
Why are fossil fuels considered nonrenewable resources? Because fossil fuels take hundreds of millions of years to form, they are considered nonrenewable resources.
Define nonrenewable resources. Earth’s nonrenewable resources are natural resources that are not replaced as they are used.
Why will fossil fuels eventually run out? If fossil fuels continue to be used more rapidly than they are formed, then they will eventually run out.
Describe oil. Oil is a thick black liquid fossil fuel. It formed from the remains of small animals, algae, and protists that lived in oceans and shallow inland seas hundreds of millions of years ago.
Where are most oil deposits located? Most oil deposits are located underground in tiny holes in sandstone or limestone. The oil fills the holes somewhat like water trapped in the holes of a sponge. The cliff section here has fossil oil deposits seeping from within, the remains of what was once a large oilfield.
How can using petroleum affect the environment? Give two examples. Oil may be spilled into the ocean. Burning petroleum contributes to air pollution.
What is natural gas a mixture of? Natural gas is a mixture of methane and other gases.
What are two advantages of natural gas? Natural gas produces large amounts of energy. Natural gas is also easy to transport. Alaskan pipeline
What is one disadvantage of natural gas? One disadvantage of natural gas is that a gas leak can cause a violent explosion and fire.
What causes the smell of natural gas? Natural gas actually has no odor at all. The gas companies add a chemical with a distinct smell before it is piped to homes and businesses so that any leaks will be noticed.
What is coal? Coal is a solid fossil fuel formed from plant remains.
What is the major use of coal? The major use of coal is to fuel electric power plants.
Name two disadvantages from using coal. Coal mining can increase erosion. Runoff from mines can cause water pollution. Finally, burning most types of coal results in more air pollution than burning other fossil fuels. Coal mine in PA.
What is the most plentiful fossil fuel in the United States? Coal is the most plentiful fossil fuel in the United States.