What are Resources, and how do we use them?

Natural Resources A natural resource is anything from nature that people can use. There are two main types: Renewable resources are able to be replaced in a reasonable amount of time. Nonrenewable resources are those that cannot be replaced after they are used up.

Natural Resources Some examples of natural resources that we use for energy are water, wind, sunshine, soil, and fossil fuels (oil, coal, and gas). Let’s think about some ways that you have used these resources today.

Natural Resources Water, wind, sunshine, soil, and fossil fuels (oil, coal, and gas)… Which ones do you think are renewable? Which ones do you think are nonrenewable?

What are fossil fuels used for? Used to heat water and air Cooking food Vehicle transportation Making plastics, fertilizers, chemicals, and some medicines

How do we get fossil fuels? Fossil fuels are taken from the ground. Coal is taken from the crust by mining Wells are drilled into the crust to get natural gas and petroleum Their chemical energy is converted to thermal energy through combustion.

Resources in the US

Fossil Fuels and the Environment These types of resources also release large amounts of carbon dioxide into the air when they are burned. Pollution- a waste product that harms living things and damages the environment

Renewable or not?

Alternative Energy

Alternative Energy As our fossil fuel supply decreases we need to use more alternative energy sources. Each source has advantages and disadvantages.

Hydroelectric Energy Electricity generated from the force of falling water A turbine (water wheel) spins when water falls on it, which spins the generator to make electricity. About 20% of today’s energy

Biomass Organic matter that is living or was alive is burned to create heat to boil water. The water produces steam and the steam turns turbines to run generators. Ex) wood and garbage

Wind Energy Windmills help pump water from underground to produce small amounts of energy. Wind farms use wind turbines to create electricity. Free, nonpolluting, and inexhaustible, but wind is not always stable.

Geothermal Energy People use heat from inside the Earth to heat homes and produce electricity. Water underground boils because of magma, and the steam comes to surface and turns turbines.

Solar Energy The energy of sunlight heats water for pools or buildings Water is heated until it boils and then the steam turns turbines It is a free energy source, but some places are not sunny enough for it to be a main energy source.

Nuclear Energy The energy released when a nucleus of an atom splits apart. Creates heat which is used to boil water. The steam is used to run a generator. Creates large amounts of energy, but is very dangerous to living things.

Discussion Question

Review Questions A B C D

Which of the following is renewable? D