Energy and Resources Unit One

A natural resource is any material that is used by humans A natural resource is any material that is used by humans. The energy we get from these resources ultimately comes from the sun.

Recycling and reusing are very important ways to help people save natural resources.

Nonrenewable resources form at a rate that is much slower than the rate at which we consume or use it. These resources are formed from the remains of organisms that lived long ago (organic material).

Types of Nonrenewable Resources (also called fossil fuels)

Petroleum - A liquid mixture of complex hydrocarbon compounds formed mainly from decayed sea organisms; examples of fossil fuels separated from petroleum are gasoline, kerosene, and oil.

Natural Gas - a mixture of gaseous hydrocarbons located under the surface of the Earth formed mainly from decayed sea organisms

Coal - a solid fossil fuel that forms underground from partially decomposed plant material

Nuclear energy - the energy released by a fission or fusion reaction; the binding energy of the atomic nucleus

A photochemical base that forms when sunlight acts on industrial pollutants and burning fuels is called smog.

Renewable resources can be replaced at the same rate at which we use or consume them.

Types of Renewable Resources (also called alternative energy sources)

Chemical energy - the energy released when a chemical compound reacts to produce new compounds

Solar energy - the energy received by the Earth from the sun in the form of radiation

Wind power - the use of a windmill to drive an electric generator

Hydroelectric energy - electrical energy produced by falling water

Wave energy - transport of energy by surface ocean waves

Biomass - organic (once living) matter that can be a source of energy

Gasohol - a mixture of gasoline and alcohol that is used for fuel

Geothermal energy - the energy produced by heat within the Earth

Energy is usable power such as heat or electricity that comes from resources.

Types of Energy Radiation Conduction Convection

Radiation - the transfer of energy as electromagnetic waves (When the amount of energy received from the sun and the amount of energy returned to space are about equal, it is called radiation balance.)

Conduction - energy transfer by contact or touch; the transfer of energy as heat through a material

Convection - energy transfer by circulation; the movement of matter due to differences in density

When placed in the sun, water will heat more slowly than land or any other solid material. Metals are good conductors of energy.