Vocabulary
A "wheel" that spins to produce electricity
turbine
Why is hydropower a renewable energy source?
It's recycled by the water cycle and powered by the sun.
Why is burning fossil fuels harmful?
Increases the amount of greenhouse gasses in the air.
The reactions in the sun produce light, which hits a photovoltaic cell and produces electricity.
nuclear -> electromagnetic -> electrical
alternative
another name for renewable energy sources
What is the definition of a Renewable resource?
Renewable resources can be easily replaced. They are also known as an alternative energy source and can be used instead of fossil fuels to reduce air pollution.
What is the definition of a Non-Renewable resource?
Nonrenewable resources cannot be replaced after use. It takes time and since it is used faster, it takes time to replace.
The heated water within the Earth produces steam, which turns a turbine and produces electricity.
thermal -> kinetic -> electrical
heat below the Earth's surface
geothermal
Example(s) of Renewable resources:
Solar, wind, geothermal, hydroelectric, biomass, and tidal.
Example(s) of Non-Renewable resources:
Fossil fuels, coal, crude oil (petroleum), natural gas, generating electricity - fossil fuels/nuclear, and nuclear energy.
Uranium in a nuclear reactor heats water, and the steam turns the turbine and produces electricity.
nuclear -> thermal -> kinetic -> electrical
uses waves, tides, and currents to produce energy
tidal
What are some advantages of using renewable instead of non-renewable?
Renewable energy sources are beneficial for the environment, often free, cost effective, never run out, and available to everyone.
Heat and pressure on decaying plants and animals.
Biomass is burned and the steam turns a turbine and produces electricity.
chemical -> thermal -> kinetic -> electrical
petroleum
a liquid fossil fuel
What are some disadvantages for using renewable instead of non-renewable?
How is natural gas a non-renewable source?
It's a gas the consists of methane and other hydrocarbon gasses that harm the environment. they way to obtain it, drilling/fracking, destroys the environment too.
Petroleum is burned, which turns a turbine and produces electricity.
chemical -> thermal -> kinetic -> electrical