Energy Basics
Where did the energy in fossil fuels originally come from?
The Sun.
Which fossil fuel comes from ancient swamp plants?
Coal.
Which fossil fuel is formed from tiny ocean organisms?
Oil and natural gas.
What does “nonrenewable” mean?
It cannot be replaced quickly once it is used up.
What are fossils?
The preserved remains or traces of ancient living things.
What type of energy do we get from fossil fuels?
Chemical energy that we can turn into heat, light, or motion.
What type of environment did coal form in?
Wet, swampy areas with lots of dead plants and little oxygen.
What is one product made from oil?
Gasoline or plastic.
Why are fossil fuels considered nonrenewable?
They take millions of years to form and cannot be replaced in a short time.
How are fossils and fossil fuels similar?
Both come from things that lived long ago
What are the three main types of fossil fuels?
Coal, oil, and natural gas.
What is one product made using coal?
Electricity or steel.
Where are most oil and gas deposits found?
Under the ocean floor or ancient seabeds.
About how long does it take for fossil fuels to form?
Millions of years.
How are fossils and fossil fuels different?
Fossils tell us about past life, while fossil fuels give us energy.
What kind of rock are fossil fuels found in?
Sedimentary rock
Why does coal form mostly on land?
Because ancient plants grew and died on land, not in the ocean.
How did ancient ocean plants and animals become oil?
They were buried under layers of mud and sand, then changed by heat and pressure over millions of years.
What happens if we use fossil fuels faster than they form?
We could run out or damage the environment.
What do fossils tell us about Earth’s past?
What organisms lived long ago and what their environments were like.
What are fossil fuels mostly used for today?
To make energy for electricity, heat, and transportation.
About how long does it take for coal to form?
Millions of years.
What is the main use of oil today?
Fuel for transportation and making other products.
What is one renewable energy source that could replace fossil fuels?
Solar, wind, hydro, or geothermal energy.
Which one gives us energy—fossils or fossil fuels?
Fossil fuels.