Ch.7 Renewable/Nonrenewable Resources Earth’s processes provide the energy required for plant, animal and human life to exist. Some resources are renewable, and can be used forever, some resource are nonrenewable and we depend too much on them. Will they run out before we find others? Let’s look at both types.

From Fossil Fuels to Electricity How does coal form?

Coal Formation Coal starts out as the remains of sea creatures decompose and are buried by ocean floor sediments. Coal starts out as the remains of sea creatures decompose and are buried by ocean floor sediments. The first stage of formation is called Peat The first stage of formation is called Peat Peat is compressed and squeezed over thousands of years until it becomes Lignite Peat is compressed and squeezed over thousands of years until it becomes Lignite Lignite becomes Bituminous Coal Lignite becomes Bituminous Coal Bituminous Coal eventually becomes Anthracite Coal Bituminous Coal eventually becomes Anthracite Coal Anthracite Coal is over 90% pure Carbon and burns very cleanly Anthracite Coal is over 90% pure Carbon and burns very cleanly

How do we know Electricity is important? The frustration mounted when we have blackouts is evidence of our dependence on electricity. The frustration mounted when we have blackouts is evidence of our dependence on electricity. Also confirmed by our lack of blackouts. Also confirmed by our lack of blackouts.

PROBLEM: Out-pacing infrastructure. Out-pacing infrastructure. We are using our resources quicker than they are being created. We are using our resources quicker than they are being created.

What do run with electricity! Home Home Work Work Industry Industry Transportation Transportation

Delivery Enough electricity to meet the needs of millions is transported through wires the size of a quarter.

How is it delivered to your home?

Electricity Production Coal Fired Plant Coal Fired Plant Nuclear Fired Nuclear Fired Waste Incinerators Waste Incinerators Wind Power Wind Power Hydroelectric Hydroelectric

Nuclear Energy What do you know about nuclear energy? What do you know about nuclear energy? Defined as the energy released when atoms are broken apart. Defined as the energy released when atoms are broken apart.

Two Processes Nuclear Fission Nuclear Fission Nuclear Fusion Nuclear Fusion

Nuclear Fission Nuclear fission occurs when subatomic bonds that hold an atom together are broken. Nuclear fission occurs when subatomic bonds that hold an atom together are broken. Large amounts of energy are given off. Large amounts of energy are given off. Think of incision: means to cut. Think of incision: means to cut.

Nuclear Fission Over Head

Nuclear Pros (positives) one gram of U235 can deliver as much energy as two tons of coal. one gram of U235 can deliver as much energy as two tons of coal. Reactors can run for years without refueling and do not produce CO2 or other greenhouse gases. Reactors can run for years without refueling and do not produce CO2 or other greenhouse gases.

Nuclear Cons (negatives) We have no permanent disposal system for the nuclear waste. We have no permanent disposal system for the nuclear waste. There have been several “meltdowns” in the industry and they have taken the lives of many people. There have been several “meltdowns” in the industry and they have taken the lives of many people. How does a “meltdown” occur? How does a “meltdown” occur?

Past Accidents Three Mile Island 1979 Three Mile Island 1979 Chernobyl 1986 Chernobyl 1986 China 1999 China 1999

Chernobyl

Nuclear Fusion

Sustainable Future What does sustainable mean? What is renewable? What is nonrenewable?

Non Renewable Non Renewable sources are forms of energy that form at a rate that is much slower than the rate at which it is consumed. Non Renewable sources are forms of energy that form at a rate that is much slower than the rate at which it is consumed. Fossil Fuels Fossil Fuels Coal Coal Oil Oil Nuclear Fuel Nuclear Fuel Land Land

Renewable Resources Renewable Resources are natural resources that can be replaced at the same rate at which they are consumed. Renewable Resources are natural resources that can be replaced at the same rate at which they are consumed. Solar energy Solar energy Passive Solar Heat Passive Solar Heat Active Solar Heat Active Solar Heat Wind Wind Hydroelectric Hydroelectric Biomass Biomass

Turbine Cooling Tower Hot Water Turbine Generator Condensation Tank

Summary Fossil fuels are nonrenewable resources. Once a nonrenewable resource is used up, it may take millions of years to be replenished. Fossil fuels are nonrenewable resources. Once a nonrenewable resource is used up, it may take millions of years to be replenished. Alternative sources of renewable energy include: hydroelectric, solar, biomass, and wind energy Alternative sources of renewable energy include: hydroelectric, solar, biomass, and wind energy Conservation is the wise use of natural resources to ensure they last longer. Conservation is the wise use of natural resources to ensure they last longer.