Unit 4 & 5 Flashcards
(30 cards)
Fossil Fuels
a natural fuel such as coal or gas, formed in the geological past from the remains of living organisms
Nonrenewable Resource
a natural substance that is not replenished with the speed at which it is consumed.
Hydropower
the use of falling or fast-running water to produce electricity or to power machines.
Solar power
power obtained by harnessing the energy of the sun’s rays.
Wind energy
the use of wind turbines to generate electricity.
Renewable energy
energy from a source that is not depleted when used, such as wind or solar power.
Water Pollution
contamination of water bodies, usually as a result of human activities
Wastewater
water that has been used in the home, in a business, or as part of an industrial process.
Artificial eutrophication
occurs when human activity introduces increased amounts of these nutrients.
Point-source pollution
pollution is a single identifiable source of pollution
Nonpoint-source pollution
diffuse contamination of water or air that does not originate from a single discrete source.
Hazardous Waste
waste that has substantial or potential threats to public health or the environment.
Biodegradable
capable of being decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms.
Leachate
any contaminated liquid that is generated from water percolating through a solid waste disposal site, accumulating contaminants, and moving into subsurface areas.
Smog
fog or haze combined with smoke and other atmospheric pollutants.
Acid Precipitation
precipitation (such as rain or snow) having increased acidity caused by environmental factors like air pollution
biomagnification
the concentration of toxins in an organism as a result of its ingesting other plants or animals in which the toxins are more widely disbursed.
Incinerator
an apparatus used to make energy by burning waste material, especially industrial waste, at high temperatures until it is reduced to ash.
Thermal Pollution
the degradation of water quality by any process that changes ambient water temperature.
What is the main use of fossil fuels?
to produce energy
What are the three types of fossil fuels?
coal, oil, or natural gas
What are the advantages of using fossil fuels?
Fossil fuels can generate a large amount of electricity at a single location.
They can be found very easily.
They are cost-effective.
What are the disadvantages of fossil fuels?
The burning of coal and petroleum produces a lot of pollutants, causing air pollution.
How are fossil fuels like coal formed
After a long time, the heat and pressure changed the plants into coal