Resources 1
Energy sources that exist in fixed amounts and cannot be easily replaced.
What are nonrenewable sources?
Currently the largest renewable source of electricity generation globally.
What is hydroelectricity?
The "cleanest" fossil fuel because it produces the fewest air pollutants.
What is natural gas?
Method of natural gas extraction using high-pressure water to crack shale.
What is fracking?
These nations use more energy in total due to higher, rapidly growing populations.
What are developing nations?
Three main types of coal used for fuel, in order of increasing energy density.
What are lignite, bituminous, and anthracite?
Absorbing or blocking solar heat without the use of mechanical equipment.
What is passive solar energy?
The buildup of material behind a dam that can reduce energy potential.
What is sedimentation?
This substance is used to spin a turbine to generate electricity in most power plants.
What is steam?
The average resident of this country uses five times as much energy as the world average
What is the United States?
The specific radioactive isotope split during the process of nuclear fission.
What is Uranium-235?
Liquid biofuel created by fermenting the sugars in corn or sugar cane.
What is ethanol?
High-temperature water released from nuclear plants that decreases oxygen in surface waters.
What is thermal pollution?
These are lowered into a reactor core to absorb neutrons and slow the reaction.
What are control rods?
This specific country holds the world’s largest proven reserves of coal.
What is the United States?
Process used to separate crude oil into products based on varying boiling points.
What is fractional distillation?
Mirrors used in concentrated solar thermal systems to reflect rays onto a tower.
What are heliostats?
Toxic, potentially lethal gas that can be released during geothermal energy extraction.
What is hydrogen sulfide?
Using "waste" heat from electricity generation to provide heat for a building.
What is cogeneration (CHP)?
Landscaping feature used to block summer sun and allow winter sun into a home.
What are deciduous shade trees?
Fossil fuel with the longest-lasting global reserves, estimated at 100-150 years.
What is coal?
Major drawback of wind and solar energy, as they cannot generate power 24/7
What is intermittency?
Soot and ash from burning coal or biomass that irritates the respiratory tract.
What is particulate matter (PM)?
The thick, semi-solid form of petroleum found in tar or oil sands.
What is bitumen?
Alternative fuel source where hydrogen and oxygen react, emitting only water.
What is a hydrogen fuel cell?