Chapter 16 notes

Can be burned for electricity. (70%) Section 1: Fossil Fuels Fossil Fuels: Fuels such as petroleum, oil, natural gas or coal. These are formed from the decaying remains of plants and animals. Can be burned for electricity. (70%) Most of the compounds in petroleum are hydrocarbons. These react with oxygen with fossil fuels are burned.

Non-renewable energy. They can be replaced, but it takes millions of years. Alternate energy sources are needed because fossil fuel is diminishing. If fossil fuel increases, so will Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) in the atmosphere.

Section 2: Nuclear Energy Many power plants are trying to convert nuclear energy into electrical energy without burning fossil fuels. Nuclear power is still considered non-renewable. Nuclear reactors use the fuel from uranium-235 to produce electricity. Unwanted radioactive products formed during nuclear reactions are considered to be nuclear waste.

Nuclear fission vs fusion Nuclear Fission: When Uranium-235 starts to decay, it splits into two smaller nuclei. Because every U-235 splits, it causes a nuclear chain reaction. Could be very dangerous if not controlled. Nuclear Fusion: Fusion is the joining together of small nuclei at high temperatures. The mass is converted into energy. Advantage: This uses Hydrogen as fuel and Hydrogen is abundant on Earth. Another advantage is the product produced is Helium and it’s not reactive. Disadvantage: Only occurs at temperatures of millions degrees Celsius. It takes more energy to create these temperatures than the energy produced.

Risks of Nuclear Energy Environmental Damage from mining uranium Disposal of radioactive waste Thermal Pollution of rivers and streams

Renewable Resources An energy source that is replaced nearly as quickly as it is used. Sunlight, Water, Tides, Wind, Geothermal and Biomass are examples. Sunlight: Using sun’s energy Water : Hydroelectricity Tides: Using Gravity of the moon and sun and ocean movement. Wind: Using windmills to harness energy. Geothermal: Energy contained in hot magma. Biomass: organic matter burned in the presence of oxygen.

Disadvantages to non-renewable Often times limited to location Very expensive Some can damage the environment