Chapter 5 Energy and Energy Resources

Energy Resources A natural resource that can be converted by humans into forms of energy in order to do useful work!

Nonrenewable Resources These are energy resources that cannot be replaced after they have been used or need thousands to millions of years to be replaced. Examples: Fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas)

Fossil Fuels Fossil fuels are energy resources that formed from the buried remains of plants and animals that lived millions of years ago. The plants stored energy from the sun during photosynthesis. (CO2 + H2O --> Glucose + O2) Animals stored this same energy by eating the plants. So, fossil fuels are concentrated forms of the sun’s energy!

Fossil Fuels- Coal Most coal in the US is burned to produce steam to run electric generators. Coal is formed from fossilized plants.

Fossil Fuels- Petroleum Petroleum (also called oil) is a fossil fuel that is used to make gasoline, kerosene, jet fuel, diesel fuel, and other products such as asphalt, rayon and vasoline.

Fossil Fuels- Natural Gas Natural gas is used for heating and generating electricity. Methane is the main component of natural gas. Butane and propane also come from natural gas.

Electrical Energy from Fossil Fuels Burning fossil fuels are the primary source of energy in the United States. KE is converted to electrical energy by an electric generator.

Nuclear Energy Nuclear power plants generate thermal energy that boils water to produce steam. The steam turns a turbine, which rotates a generator that converts KE into electrical energy.

Nuclear Fission

Renewable Energy Resources An energy resource that can be used and replaced in nature in a short period of time.

Solar Energy Sunlight can be converted into electrical energy using photovoltaic solar cells.

Water Energy The potential energy of water in a reservoir is converted into kinetic energy as the water flows downhill through a dam. A generator converts the kinetic energy into electrical energy.

Wind Energy A wind turbine converts kinetic energy into electric energy by rotating a generator.

Geothermal Energy Thermal energy found from the heat of the Earth is used to heat up water into steam. This steam then turns a generator that creates electricity.

Biomass Plants capture the sun’s energy and when burned, the energy is released.