Alternative Energy Sources

5 Alternative Energy Sources Nuclear Solar Water Wind Geothermal

Nuclear Energy Nuclear Fission: Splitting of the nucleus of Uranium - 235 into much smaller nuclei The splitting heats surrounding water which becomes a source of energy for running electric generators.

Nuclear Energy The fission of 1g of U releases as much energy as 3 tons of coal (14 barrels of oil) Dangers: Waste needs to be disposed of or it will kill plant/animal cells

Nuclear Energy Nuclear Fusion: nuclei of smaller nuclei COMBINE to form one large nuclei Energy from sun is produced this way

Solar Energy Solar energy captures light from sun to heat water & produce electricity Problems involve expense & the battle of dark vs. light.

Water Hydroelectric Power is generated by damming water & releasing it at certain times creating electricity Can only be used in an areas w/ rivers suitable for damming Low cost & no pollution Destroys river habitat

Water – Hydroelectric Dam

Wind Energy Electricity generated by speed of wind against the blades of a windmill Windmill farms are located in areas with consistent high speed winds Danger to migratory birds. Expensive

Geothermal Energy Geothermal Energy capture energy from water heated from earth’s internal processes Used mainly in Iceland

Geothermal Energy Heat from the Earth’s interior that is converted to electrical energy when steam or hot water from below Earth’s surface is piped to a power plant to run a generator Usually found in volcanic areas, 22 countries around the world have geothermal plants