Energy Resources “Going Green” 8th Grade Chapter 9 HRW

Any natural substance, organism, or energy form that living things use Natural Resources Any natural substance, organism, or energy form that living things use

Renewable resource Natural resources Used and replaced in short time Ex: trees, water

Nonrenewable resources Cannot be replaced in a short time May take over 1,000 years Example: oil and natural gas (Fossil Fuels)

Fossil Fuels Petroleum(oil) Natural gas-methane Comes from the remains of microscopic sea life Petroleum(oil) Natural gas-methane Coal-burn coal to produce electricity Advantage: Plentiful at this time Comes from decayed swamp plants Disadvantage: acid rain, smog, oil spills, environmental issues

Name of Alternative Resource Explanation of what it is. Where does it come from and Is it renewable or nonrenewable List the advantages and disadvantages

Nuclear Energy nonrenewable resource Fission-radioactive atoms split and release energy-high energy, but very dangerous Fusion-joining nuclei of atom to form larger atoms. Little waste, but requires high temperatures

Solar Energy Comes from the sun Can be changed to electricity renewable resource Advantage Reliable and quiet Disadvantage Solar Cells expensive

Wind Energy Uneven heating of the air by the sun produces wind Wind Energy Uneven heating of the air by the sun produces wind. Windmills are used to pump water or produce electricity. Renewable resource Disadvantage Wind is not always strong and steady No Wind, no Energy Advantage Wind farms/windmills Strong and Steady No pollution

Hydroelectric Energy Potential and kinetic energy of water renewable resource Disadvantage No available everywhere Construction causes destruction of wildlife Decrease water quality Create erosion problems Advantage Inexpensive and Little pollution

Biomass Plants absorb energy from the sun -organic material contains stored energy renewable resource Recycles waste Advantage Waste is reduced Disadvantage Releases Carbon dioxide Must replant

Gasohol Plant material changed to liquid fuel Corn Renewable resource Advantage Mixed with gasoline, reduces the amount of gas used Disadvantage Take a lot to make a little Requires land for growing food

Geothermal energy Renewable resource energy produced by heat within earth’s crust Disadvantage Construction of plants Location of plant Advantage Can be used as a direct source of energy No fuel No pollution