Energy Resources!

Nonrenewable Resources A resource that forms at a rate that is much slower than the rate at which it is used Fossil Fuels – Formed from the remains of organisms that lived long ago Plants and animals that lived millions of years ago were buried – Plants stored energy from photosynthesis – Animals stored energy the energy by eating the plants – ALL OF THIS ENERGY COMES FROM THE SUN! – This energy is released when fossil fuels are burned

Nonrenewable Resources Types of Fossil Fuels – Coal: burned to produce steam that run electric generators – Petroleum: Used in gasoline, wax, and petrochemicals – Natural Gas: Heats homes, stoves, ovens, and vehicles

Nonrenewable Resources Nuclear Energy – An atom is split and releases energy to convert to thermal energy – The atoms are unlimited but the type we are able to split (uranium) is limited

Renewable Resources A natural resource that can be replaced at the same rate at which it is used Solar Energy: Sunlight can be changed into electrical energy through solar cells – Calculators

Renewable Resources Water Energy (Hydropower) – The potential energy can be changed into kinetic energy as water flows through a dam Falling water turns a turbine which are connected to a generator making electrical energy

Renewable Resources Wind Energy – Kinetic energy caused by the differing temperatures of the air – Kinetic energy of wind can turn the blades of a windmill – The kinetic energy of the turning blades is turned into electrical energy with a generator

Renewable Resources Geothermal Energy – Thermal energy caused by the heating of the Earth’s crust – Water and Air are pumped underground – The water is heated and pumped back to the surface – This warmed water is then used to heat homes This is what heats and cools our school! – Steam created deep underground can also be used to turn turbines to create electricity

Renewable Resources Biomass – Plants, wood and waste are burned to release energy – Plants, like corn are chemically broken down into sugars – These sugars can be converted into other chemicals for fuel (like ethenol)