Energy Resources

Fossil Fuels Fossil Fuel- a nonrenewable energy source formed from remains that lived long ago Types of fossil fuels Petroleum (also known as oil) Natural Gas Coal

Fossil Fuels How do they form? Petroleum and natural gas- form from remains of microscopic sea organisms and settle on ocean floor. Takes millions of years Coal formation- pressure and heat cause changes in the remainder of swamp plants. First it is peat, then hear and pressure are applied and carbon content increases

Fossil Fuels Problems with fossil fuels Coal mining-creates environmental problems, coal mines could collapse Acid precipitation-precipitation such as rain, snow, or sleet with a high acid concentration because of pollution against atmosphere. Smog- haze that forms when sunlight acts on industrial pollutants

Alternative Resources Nuclear Energy- energy released by a fission or fusion reaction Fission- process where nuclei of radioactive atoms are split into two or more Fusion- joining of two or more nuclei

Alternative Resources Chemical Energy- released when a chemical compound reacts to produce new compounds Solar Energy- received by the earth from the sun in form of radiation Wind power- use of a windmill to drive an electric generator Hydroelectric energy- electrical energy produced by falling water

Alternative Resources Biomass- organic matter that can be a source of energy Gasohol- a mixture of gasoline and alcohol that is used as a fuel Geothermal energy- produced by heat within the earth