Heat it Up
What type of energy is commonly dissipated when energy is wasted?
Thermal Energy
Why should appliances be unplugged when not being used?
To prevent wasting electricity.
Name two things that store chemical energy.
Examples: food, batteries, candles, fireworks, or gas.
What type of energy does a toy car have while rolling down a hill?
Kinetic Energy
What type of energy source can be replaced naturally over time?
Renewable Energy
What is the purpose of insulation in homes and buildings?
To prevent heat energy from flowing in or out.
What unit is used to measure the amount of electricity used in a home?
Kilowatt-hours (kW·h).
What dangerous waste is produced by nuclear power plants?
Radioactive waste.
What type of energy does a ball have when it is sitting at the top of a hill?
Potential Energy
What is the main source of energy used around the world?
Fossil Fuels
What is one reason incandescent lightbulbs are not energy efficient?
They waste energy by producing too much heat.
What carries electricity from power plants to homes?
Wires
Batteries, food, and wood are all examples of what type of energy?
Chemical Energy
What are two drawbacks of hydroelectric dams?
They disrupt fish habitats and are expensive to build.
How do fossil fuels contribute to global warming?
They release extra carbon dioxide that thickens the atmospheric “blanket” and traps more heat.
What is thermal energy?
Energy released in the form of heat.
What machine spins in many power plants to help generate electricity?
Turbines
Why is chemical energy considered stored energy?
Because it is stored in the bonds between atoms and molecules.
Why is wind energy considered an unreliable source of energy?
Because wind does not blow consistently.
Name two greenhouse gases mentioned in the reading.
Carbon dioxide, methane, or nitrous oxide.
Why does a black shirt feel hotter in the sun than a white shirt?
Black materials absorb more thermal energy from the sun than white materials, that reflect sunlight.
How does a nuclear power plant generate electricity?
It splits atoms to create heat, which boils water into steam that spins turbines.
When gasoline burns in a car engine, what three forms of energy are produced?
Thermal, sound, and mechanical energy.
What renewable energy source collects energy from the sun using panels?
Solar energy.
What human activity is the main cause of climate change?
Burning Fossil Fuels