Energy Resources Flashcards
What is a natural resource?
Any natural material that is used by humans, such as water, petroleum, minerals, forests, and animals is a natural resource.
What is a renewable resource?
A natural resource that can be replaced at the same rate at which the resource is consumed is a renewable resource.
What is a nonrenewable resource?
A resource that forms at a rate that is much slower than the rate at which it is consumed is a nonrenewable resource.
What are fossil fuels?
Fossil fuels are nonrenewable energy resources formed from the remains organisms that lived long ago; examples include oil, coal, and natural gas.
What is nuclear fission?
Nuclear fission is the process in which the nuclei of radioactive atoms are split into two or more smaller nuclei.
What is nuclear fusion?
Nuclear fusion is the joining of two or more nuclei to form a larger nucleus.
What is hydroelectric energy?
Hydroelectric energy is energy produced by falling water.
What is biomass?
Biomass is organic matter that can be a source of energy.
What is gasohol?
Gasohol is a mixture of gasoline and alcohol that is used as a fuel.
What is geothermal energy?
The energy produced by heat within the Earth is called geothermal energy.
What is petroleum?
Petroleum is a liquid mixture of complex hydrocarbon compounds; used widely as a fuel source.
What is natural gas?
Natural gas is a mixture of gaseous hydrocarbons located under the surface of the Earth, often near petroleum deposits; used as a fuel.
What is coal?
Coal is a fossil fuel that forms underground from partially decomposed plant material.
What is smog?
Smog is a photochemical haze that forms when sunlight acts on industrial pollutants and burning fuels.
What is acid precipitation?
Precipitation, such as rain, sleet, or snow, that contains a high amount of acids, often because of the pollution of the atmosphere is known as acid precipitation.
