1. Fossil Fuels & Electricity

2. Electricity as a resource Electricity is created by the flow of electrons. (Most) Power plants use electric generators powered by fossil fuels.

3. What are fossil fuels & which kinds are used to get electricity? …are the remains of things that died millions of years ago. EX: Coal, oil, and natural gas

4. What are the drawbacks to using fossil fuels for electricity? 1) Supply is limited – fossil fuels are a NONRENEWABLE resource.

5. 2) Pollution – combustion of FF causing greenhouse gases (& global warming).

6. Renewable & Nonrenewable Resources Renewable – can be replaced ex: trees, wind, sunlight Nonrenewable – can not be replaced ex: fossil fuels

7. Nuclear Energy

8. What is nuclear energy? …energy within the nucleus of an atom.

9. How does nuclear energy work? … by splitting an atom (nuclear fission) energy is released. Nuclear power plants have to control nuclear fission!!

11. Nuclear Power Plant

12. Advantages of nuclear energy… 1)Produce lots of energy. (Usually uranium) 2) No polluting gases are produced. 3) Less maintenance

13. Disadvantages to using nuclear energy… 1)Produces radioactive wastes. 2)Small supply. 3)Expensive (due to safety precautions). 4)Safety concerns

14. Is nuclear power safe? There have been accidents. Chernobyl (1986) 3-mile Island (1979) Meltdowns & chain reactions can cause severe destruction

15. Chernobyl

16. What is nuclear fusion? …2 nuclei are combined and release energy. May be a future source of safe energy.