Fossil Fuels
How are fossil fuels formed?
From remains of ancient plants and animals that were buried and altered over millions of years ago
What is the difference between fission and fusion?
Fission is when the nuclei split.
Fusion is when the nuclei combine.
What is renewable energy?
energy source that is replaced by natural process faster than humans can consume the resource.
What energy source is most used in the United States? Fossil fuels, nuclear energy or renewable resources?
Fossil fuels
What are fossil fuels composed of? What is this?
Hydrocarbons- organic molecule composed of carbon and hydrogen
What type of nuclear reaction process is used in nuclear power plants and why?
Fission- easier to control
What if geothermal energy?
Thermal energy that is contained in and around magma.
What does the law of conservation of energy state?
Energy cannot be created or destroyed. It can be transformed into other forms of energy.
Rank the three fossil fuels in order of the amount of pollution produced from LEAST to MOST
1.natural gas
2. Petroleum (crude oil)
3. Coal
Name and describe 2 safety components included in a nuclear reactor.
2. Water cooling system- regulates extreme heat given off by reaction
Describe the energy transformation that takes place to convert energy from wind to electricity.
Wind moves blades of a wind turbine, turbine connected to electrical generator
In order for petroleum to be used it must undergo a heating process in which separates the hydrocarbons it is composed of. Describe how these are sorted based on their boiling points.
What type of reaction takes place when burning fossil fuels? Describe this reaction.
Combustion reaction
Hydrocarbon reacts with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide, water and energy
HC + O2 -> CO2 + H2O + energy
Describe the chain reaction that occurs during the nuclear fission process
Free floating neutrons collide with a nucleus causing it to split. This releases neutrons in which will then collide with another nucleus splitting it. This process continues.
Describe how Dams convert energy from water to electricity. Be sure to state and describe each energy transformation.
1. gravitational potential energy to mechanical- energy from falling water moves blades of a turbine
2. mechanical to electrical- turbine connected to electrical generator
What is natural gas typically found?
At the top of petroleum deposits.
Describe the energy transformation that takes place to convert fossil fuels to electricity. State each transformation along with what occurs.
1. Chemical to thermal- fossil fuel burned which releases heat to heat a water creating steam
2. Thermal to mechanical- steam moves the blades of a turbine
3.Mechanical to electrical- turbine connected to electrical generator
Describe the energy transformation that takes place to convert nuclear energy to electricity. State each transformation along with what occurs.
1. Nuclear to thermal- fission reaction releases heat to heat a water creating steam
2. Thermal to mechanical- steam moves the blades of a turbine
3.Mechanical to electrical- turbine connected to electrical generator
Describe how solar panels are able to convert radiant energy to electrical energy.
Solar panels use photovoltaic cells in which is composed of two conducting layers. When sun strikes these materials, it causes electrons to move generating electricity.
What energy source should we use and why. Must give at least 3 good reasonings!!
answers may vary