Energy Resources
Nonrenewable resources A natural resource that is not replaced as it is used May take millions of years to form Includes oil, coal, natural gas, and nuclear energy
Oil A type of fossil fuel that is a thick black liquid Formed millions of years ago Most is found underground
Coal A type of fossil fuel that is in solid form Been used for thousands of years Used to fuel electric power plants Used to burn for heat.
Natural Gas A type of fossil fuel A mixture of methane and other gases Found underground
Non-Renewable Resources – United Streaming
Nuclear Energy Energy converted during nuclear reactions Comes from energy stored in the nucleus of atoms
Renewable Resources A source that is naturally replaced in a short amount of time or through a cycle Examples: biomass, hydropower, and hydrogen
Biomass Living or formerly living material Can be made into fuel
Hydropower Power that is produced by flowing water moving over a waterfall or dam The most widely used source of renewable energy
Hydrogen Gas It is obtained from water – breaking the H & O bonds. A fuel that burns cleanly, with water as the byproduct
Perpetual (Inexhaustible) Resources A resource that exists in such a large supply that it is considered limitless Includes solar power, wind power, and geothermal energy
Solar Power Energy from the sun Does not cause pollution 2 ways to use: Solar Cells: convert radiation directly into electricity Radiation as heat for turbines
Wind Power Used to turn a turbine and generate electricity Most abundant Inexhaustible resource. Does not cause pollution
Geothermal Energy Occurs when magma heats underground water Steam and hot water are used to generate electricity
Renewable Resources – United Streaming
Futures Channel - Wind http://www.thefutureschannel.com/dockets/science_technology/wind_farming/
The Futures Channel – Solar Power in Space http://www.thefutureschannel.com/dockets/realworld/space_based_solar_power/