F Block Michaelmas Definitions: Energy Flashcards
(16 cards)
Biomass
Renewable organic materials, such as wood, agricultural crops or wastes, especially when used as a source of fuel or energy. Biomass can be burned directly or processed into biofuels such as ethanol and methane
Energy Conservation
Reducing energy consumption through using less energy and becoming more efficient in using existing energy sources
Energy Exploitation
Developing and using energy sources to the greatest possible advantage, usually for profit
Energy Security
Uninterrupted availability of energy sources at an affordable price
Fossil Fuel
A natural fuel such as coal or gas, formed in the geological past from the remains of living organisms
Geothermal Energy
Energy generated by heat stored deep in the earth
Hydro (Electric) Power
Electricity generated by turbines that are driven by moving water
Solar Energy
The Sun’s energy exploited by solar panel collectors or cells to heat water or air or to generate electricity
Sustainable Development
Development that meets the needs of the present without limiting the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Nuclear Powerhnologies
The energy released by a nuclear reaction, especially by fission or fusion. Nuclear energy uses fuel made from mined and processed Uranium to make steam and generate electricity
Renewable Energy Resources
A resource which is not diminished when used; it recurs and cannot be exhausted (At least on human time scales!) Includes wind power, tidal and wave power, solar power and energy from the earth’s interior (Geothermal)
Non-Renewable Energy Resources
This refers to the sources of energy that are finite and will eventually run out with continued use, because they are being extracted at a rate far higher than the rate at which they are being replenished, Fossil fuels are a form of non renewable energy. Nuclear power stations require the mining of Uranium which is also a finite source and therefore non renewable
Sustainable Energy Supply
Energy that can be potentially used well into the future without harming future generations. Sustainable energy is the combination of energy savings, energy efficiency measures and Technologies, as well as the use of renewable sources
Wind Energy
Electrical energy obtained from harnessing the wind with the windmills or wind turbines
Global Warming
This term is usually used to refer to the warming of the earth’s atmosphere that is currently taking place due to the human-caused increase in the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. This is mainly occurring due to the use of fossil fuels and deforestation (i.e. humans cutting down and clearing large areas of forest)
Greenhouse Gases
Gases in the atmosphere that have the effect of absorbing heat given off from the surface of the earth, thereby slowing the slowing the escape of heat energy to space and causing the lower atmosphere to warm. Water vapour, carbon dioxide, and methane are important greenhouse gases
