1. Fossil Fuels & Electricity

2. Electricity as a resource Electricity is created by the flow of electrons. (Most) Power plants use electric generators powered by fossil fuels (usually coal).

3. Coal Power Plants

4. What are fossil fuels? …are the remains of things that died millions of years ago. Are produced when the partially decomposed remains are buried at specific temperatures and pressures.

5. What are some uses of specific fossil fuels? Coal (used for electricity & heating) Oil (used in petroleum products like gasoline and lubricants) Natural gas (used in heating, cooking and sometimes transportation).

6. What are the drawbacks to using fossil fuels for electricity? 1) Supply is limited – fossil fuels are a NONRENEWABLE resource.

7. 2) Pollution – combustion of FF causing greenhouse gases (& climate change).

8. Renewable & Nonrenewable Resources Renewable – can be replaced ex: trees, wind, sunlight Nonrenewable – can not be replaced ex: fossil fuels

9. Nuclear Energy …another source of electricity.

10. What is nuclear energy? …energy within the nucleus of an atom.

11. How does nuclear energy work? … by splitting an atom (nuclear fission) energy is released. Nuclear power plants have to control nuclear fission!!

13. Nuclear Power Plant

14. Advantages of nuclear energy… 1)Produce lots of energy. (Usually from uranium) 2) No polluting gases are produced. 3) Less maintenance

15. Disadvantages to using nuclear energy… 1)Produces radioactive wastes. 2)Small supply. 3)Expensive (due to safety precautions). 4)Safety concerns

16. Is nuclear power safe? There have been accidents. Chernobyl (1986) 3-mile Island (1979) Meltdowns & chain reactions can cause severe destruction

17. Chernobyl

18. What is nuclear fusion? …2 nuclei are combined and release energy. May be a future source of safe energy.