Energy Resources Notes

Energy Resource- A natural resource that people can turn into other forms of energy in order to do work.

Where do we get our energy resources?

Nonrenewable Resource Cannot be replaced after they are used Takes millions of years to reform or be replaced

Can you name the types of nonrenewable resources?

Fossil Fuels Formed from the buried remains of plants and animals that lived millions of years ago. Why are they called “Fossil” Fuels?

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Types of Fossil Fuels Coal- formed from the remains of plants in prehistoric seas and lakes

Oil (Petroleum) a smelly, yellow-to-black liquid formed from plants and animals

Natural Gas- gas made from prehistoric plants and animals that compressed (squeezed) deep underground Not to be confused with gasoline for cars!

Nuclear Energy - Made from using radioactive elements like uranium. The energy is given off when the nucleus of an atom splits.

Renewable Resources Used and replaced over a short period of time

Wind Energy -Wind is caused by the uneven heating of the Earth. -The wind moves the blades that are attached to a generator.

The energy in the generator is changed into electricity. The energy travels from the generator into power lines.

Solar Energy- inexhaustible (won’t run out)

Energy from Water -Falling water travels through a dam and spins a turbine (machine). The turbine is connected to a generator and produces electricity

Geothermal Energy (Geo – “the Earth”)(Thermal- “ heat”) Areas called hot spots release heat that can be used to make electricity.

Biomass -Plants, wood and garbage can be burned to release energy.