APES energy resources flashcards

Fossil Fuels

Natural substances like coal, oil, and natural gas formed from organic materials.

Renewable Energy

Energy sourced from replenishable resources, such as solar, wind, and hydropower.

Nuclear Energy

Energy produced from nuclear reactions, primarily fission of uranium or plutonium.

Difference between renewable and non-renewable energy

Renewable energy can be replenished; non-renewable energy cannot.

True or false: Wind energy is a non-renewable resource.

False, because wind energy is renewable.

Hydropower

Electricity generated by the movement of water, typically using dams.

Geothermal Energy

Heat energy derived from the Earth's internal heat, often used for heating buildings.

Solar Energy

Energy harnessed from sunlight, often through photovoltaic cells.

Fill the blank: Biomass is derived from _____ material.

organic

Which of the following is NOT a fossil fuel?

A) Coal, B) Oil, C) Natural gas, D) Solar energy

True or false: Natural gas emits more CO2 than coal.

False, because natural gas emits less CO2 than coal.

Energy Efficiency

The ratio of useful output of energy to the input of energy.

Carbon Footprint

The total greenhouse gas emissions caused by an individual, organization, event, or product.

What is the primary greenhouse gas produced by burning fossil fuels?

Carbon dioxide (CO2)

Difference between active and passive solar energy

Active uses mechanical systems; passive uses building orientation and materials.

Fill the blank: The process of photosynthesis converts _____ into oxygen.

carbon dioxide

Biofuels

Fuels produced from organic materials, like ethanol from corn.

True or false: Hydroelectric power is the most widely used renewable energy source in the US.

True, because it accounts for a significant portion of renewable energy.

What does the term 'peak oil' refer to?

The point at which oil production reaches its maximum rate.