Chapter 16 Energy Sources 16.1 Notes – Fossil fuels

Objectives Discuss properties and uses of fossil fuels. Explain how fossil fuels are formed. Describe how the chemical energy in fossil fuels is converted into electrical energy. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of using fossil fuel energy to produce electricity.

Law of Conservation of Energy Energy cannot be created or destroyed Can only be transformed from one form into another Transformed into useful function: chemical energy is transformed into thermal to heat your home Transformed into non-useful function: power lines lose chemical energy as thermal as the power travels through the line

Energy in the USA

Fossil Fuels Form from decaying remains of ancient plants and animals Burning fossil fuels converts energy from chemical bonds to heat and light Chemical energy in fossil fuels is more concentrated than in other fuels such as wood

Petroleum Highly flammable liquid formed from decaying ancient organisms Mixture of thousands of chemical compounds Hydrocarbons = hydrogen + carbon (organic material) Fractional distillation is used to separate the compounds in petroleum

Petroleum Not just used for energy Also used in Plastic Synthetic fabrics Grease Motor oil Asphalt

Natural gas Product of decaying ancient organisms Contains more energy per kilogram than petroleum or coal Burns more cleanly than other fossil fuels Provided about ¼ of the energy consumed in the US

Coal Solid fossil fuel found underground Produces more pollution when burned than petroleum or natural gas Provides about ¼ of the energy produced in the US About 90% of coal burned in the US is used to produce electricity

Electricity Generated when fossil fuels are burned Releases thermal energy Produces high pressure steam Steam spins a turbine Turbine produces electric current Electric current is transmitted through power lines to consumers

Only about 35% of the energy in fossil fuels reaches consumers since some energy is lost in every stage of the process

Undesirables Fossil fuels pollute the environment and increase carbon monoxide in the atmosphere Mining coal can cause health problems for miners

Nonrenewable resource Important not to waste energy

Fossil Fuels I Used to Think… but Now I Know