Earth Science Flashcards
nuclear reactions occur when atoms of one species of chemical element are transformed into atoms of another species by nuclear change.
Nuclear Energy
the splitting of heavy atoms into lighter atoms
fission
combination of two light atoms to form a heavier atom
fusion
Some of the radioactive elements that
decay are:
a. Uranium -235
b. Uranium – 238
c. Thorium -232
a form of energy conversion in which heat energy from within Earth is captured and harnessed
Geothermal Energy
a form of energy conversion in which heat energy from within Earth is captured and harnessed
Geothermal Energy
Advantages of Geothermal
Good for the Environment, Reliable Source of Renewable Energy, Less electricity, Little to No Maintenance
Disadvantages of Geothermal
Ecological problem, Geographical limits, Seismic instability, Expensive construction, Possible tank exhaustion
the power generated by the energy from falling water or fast running water
Hydroelectric Energy
Advantages of Hydroelectric
Renewable, Do not pollute, Reliable, Adjustable water flow and output of electricity, Safe
Disadvantages of Hydroelectric
Environmental Consequences, Expensive, Droughts, Limited Reservoirs
describes the process by which the wind is used to generate mechanical power or electricity.
Wind power or wind energy
is the movement of air caused by differences in atmospheric pressure
Wind
a modern system usually have three long blades that spin and cause the turbines to generate electricity
Wind Farm
Advantages of Wind Energy
Clean energy, Renewable, Space-efficient, Low-cost energy, Promotes job growth
Disadvantages of Wind Energy
Unpredictable, Threat to birds, Noise, Need to be built high, Location limitations
energy harnessed from the light and heat of the Sun
Solar energy
Advantages of Solar
pollution free, Reduced dependence on foreign oil and fossil fuels, Renewable, Return on investment, no maintenance (last 30 years), Creates jobs, Use batteries to store extra power for use at night, Efficient
is the oldest source of energy, energy from biological material derived from living or recently deceased organisms
Biomass
Disadvantages of Solar
High initial costs, Needs lots of space, No solar power at night, Cloudy days do not produce as much energy, Not massed produced
Advantages of Biomass
Renewable, Carbon Neutrality, Versatile, Availability, Reduce Waste, Domestic Production
Disadvantages of Biomass
Not Completely Clean, Burning wood and other plant life does create other emissions in addition to carbon, High Costs in Comparison to Other Alternatives, Possible Deforestation, Space, Requires Water
are thermal power stations which generate electrical energy from heat
Nuclear power plants
generate electrical energy from heat
Thermal Power Stations