Energy Concepts
What is the definition of energy?
The ability to do work.
What are fossil fuels primarily composed of?
Fossil fuels are primarily composed of hydrocarbons.
What is surface mining?
Surface mining involves removing the surface layers of soil and rock to access minerals.
What is one major environmental impact of mining?
One major environmental impact of mining is habitat destruction.
What is the Mining Law of 1872?
The Mining Law of 1872 allows individuals and companies to recover ores and fuels from federal lands.
Name two forms of energy.
kinetic and potential.
Name three types of fossil fuels.
Three types of fossil fuels are coal, oil, and natural gas.
Define subsurface mining.
Subsurface mining is the extraction of resources located more than 100 meters below the surface.
How does mining impact air quality?
Mining impacts air quality by releasing dust and pollutants, including methane and CO2.
What does the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act mandate?
The Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act mandates minimal disturbance during mining and requires land to be reclaimed afterward.
How is Kinetic energy different from potential?
Kinetic energy is the energy of motion, while potential energy is stored energy based on position.
What is the main environmental concern related to fossil fuel extraction?
The main environmental concern related to fossil fuel extraction is air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
What is strip mining, and what is it commonly used for?
Strip mining involves removing strips of soil and rock to expose ore, often used for coal extraction.
Name a health issue associated with mining.
Black lung disease
How do the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act relate to mining?
The Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act relate to mining by regulating emissions and discharges that could harm air and water quality.
What is the law of conservation of energy?
The law of conservation of energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another.
Describe the process of how fossil fuels are formed.
Fossil fuels are formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals subjected to heat and pressure over millions of years.
Explain mountaintop removal mining and its purpose.
Mountaintop removal mining uses explosives to remove the tops of mountains to access coal seams.
Describe how mining can affect local biodiversity.
Mining can affect local biodiversity by destroying habitats and fragmenting ecosystems
What are tailings, and why are they a concern in mining legislation?
Tailings are piles of waste left after extraction, and they are a concern due to potential contamination of land and water.
Explain how energy can be transformed from one form to another with an example.
Energy can be transformed from, for example, potential energy (like water in a dam) into kinetic energy (when the water flows down).
What is the significance of fossil fuels in modern energy consumption?
Fossil fuels are significant as they provide the majority of the world's energy needs for transportation, electricity, and heating.
What is placer mining, and where is it typically conducted?
Placer mining is the search for minerals and metals in river sediments, commonly conducted for gold and diamonds.
What is the impact of mining on soil erosion?
The impact of mining on soil erosion occurs due to the removal of vegetation and soil, leading to increased runoff.
Explain how mining laws have evolved to include environmental protections.
Mining laws have evolved to include environmental protections to mitigate the adverse effects of mining on ecosystems and communities.