1. Ch. 2 Renewable/Nonrenewable Resources
The law of conservation of energy tells us that we can’t get something for nothing, but we refuse to believe it.” Isaac Asimov

3. From Fossil Fuels to Electricity How does coal form?

4. Coal Formation
Coal starts out as the remains of sea creatures decompose and are buried by ocean floor sediments.
The first stage of formation is called Peat
Peat is compressed and squeezed over thousands of years until it becomes Lignite
Lignite becomes Bituminous Coal
Bituminous Coal eventually becomes Anthracite Coal
Anthracite Coal is over 90% pure Carbon and burns very cleanly

5. How do we know Electricity is important?
The frustration mounted when we have blackouts is evidence of our dependence on electricity.
Also confirmed by our lack of blackouts.

6. PROBLEM:
Out-pacing infrastructure.

7. What do run with electricity!
Home
Work
Industry
Transportation

8. Delivery
Enough electricity to meet the needs of thousands is transported through wires the size of a quarter.

9. How is it delivered to your home?

10. Electricity Production
Coal Fired Plant
Nuclear Fired
Waste Incinerators
Wind Power
Hydroelectric

11. Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania – Almost all of the electricity is produced by the burning of coal and hydroelectric plants.

15. Nuclear Energy What do you know about nuclear energy?
Defined as the energy released when atoms are broken apart.

16. Two Processes
Nuclear Fission
Nuclear Fusion

17. Nuclear Fission
Nuclear fission occurs when subatomic bonds that hold an atom together are broken.
Large amounts of energy are given off.
Think of incision: means to cut.

19. Nuclear Fission Over Head

24. Nuclear Pros
one gram of U235 can deliver as much energy as two tons of coal.
Reactors can run for years without refueling and do not produce CO2 or other greenhouse gases.

25. Nuclear Cons
We have no permanent disposal system for the nuclear waste.
There have been several “meltdowns” in the industry and they have taken the lives of many people.
How does a “meltdown” occur?

26. Past Accidents
Three Mile Island 1979
Chernobyl 1986
China 1999

27. Chernobyl

29. Nuclear Fusion

32. Sustainable Future What does sustainable mean? What is renewable?
What is nonrenewable?

33. Non Renewable
Fossil Fuels
Coal
Oil
Nuclear Fuel
Land

34. Renewable Resources Solar energy Passive Solar Heat Active Solar Heat
Wind
Hydroelectric
Biomass

38. Generator
Turbine
Turbine
Condensation Tank
Cooling Tower
Hot Water