Chapter 8: Energy Sources and the Environment Flashcards
form from the remains of ancient plants and animals that were buried and altered over millions of years
fossil fuel
a flammable liquid formed from the decay of ancient organisms, such as microscopic plankton and algae
petroleum
resources that cannot be replaced by natural processes as quickly as they are used
nonrenewable resource
occurs when atomic nuclei combine at very high temperatures
fusion
when the nucleus of an atom splits apart, releasing energy
fission
uses energy from controlled nuclear reactions to generate electricity
nuclear reactor
any radioactive material that results when radioactive materials are used
nuclear waste
an energy source that is replaced by natural processes faster than humans can consume the resource
renewable resource
converts radiant energy directly into electrical energy
photovoltaic cell/solar cell
electric current produced from the energy of moving water
hydroelectricity
the thermal energy that is contained in and around magma
geothermal energy
includes all the individuals of one species living in a particular area
population
the largest number of individuals of a particular species that the environment can support
carrying capacity
include any substance that contaminates the environment
pollutants
wastes that are poisonous, that cause cancer, or that can catch fire are classified as…
hazardous wastes
a term used to describe the pollution that results from the reactions between sunlight and vehicle or factory exhaust
photochemical smog
when acidic moisture falls from the sky as precipitation, it is called…
acid precipitation
the burning of fossil fuels converts chemical potential energy to
thermal energy, which is then converted into other useful forms
three examples of fossil fuels:
petroleum, natural gas, and coal
petroleum is a mixture of…
hydrocarbons
power plants burn fossil fuels to… (describe entire process, not just end result)
extract chemical potential energy that spins turbines and powers electric generators
nuclear power plants transform nuclear energy into…
electrical energy
nuclear reactors use the energy released in _______ of U-235 to produce electricity
fission
energy released in fission reactions in nuclear power plants is used to make…
steam, which then spins a turbine that powers an electric generator
