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. 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 The first stage of formation is called Peat Peat is compressed and squeezed over thousands of years until it becomes Lignite Peat is compressed and squeezed over thousands of years until it becomes Lignite Lignite becomes Bituminous Coal Lignite becomes Bituminous Coal Bituminous Coal eventually becomes Anthracite Coal Bituminous Coal eventually becomes Anthracite Coal Anthracite Coal is over 90% pure Carbon and burns very cleanly 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. The frustration mounted when we have blackouts is evidence of our dependence on electricity. Also confirmed by our lack of blackouts. Also confirmed by our lack of blackouts.

6. PROBLEM: Out-pacing infrastructure. Out-pacing infrastructure.

7. What do run with electricity! Home Home Work Work Industry Industry Transportation 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 Coal Fired Plant Nuclear Fired Nuclear Fired Waste Incinerators Waste Incinerators Wind Power Wind Power Hydroelectric Hydroelectric

11. Pennsylvania In Pennsylvania – Almost all of the electricity is produced by the burning of coal and hydroelectric plants. 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? What do you know about nuclear energy? Defined as the energy released when atoms are broken apart. Defined as the energy released when atoms are broken apart.

16. Two Processes Nuclear Fission Nuclear Fission Nuclear Fusion Nuclear Fusion

17. Nuclear Fission Nuclear fission occurs when subatomic bonds that hold an atom together are broken. Nuclear fission occurs when subatomic bonds that hold an atom together are broken. Large amounts of energy are given off. Large amounts of energy are given off. Think of incision: means to cut. 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. 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. 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. 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. There have been several “meltdowns” in the industry and they have taken the lives of many people. How does a “meltdown” occur? How does a “meltdown” occur?

26. Past Accidents Three Mile Island 1979 Three Mile Island 1979 Chernobyl 1986 Chernobyl 1986 China 1999 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 Fossil Fuels Coal Coal Oil Oil Nuclear Fuel Nuclear Fuel Land Land

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

38. Turbine Cooling Tower Hot Water Turbine Generator Condensation Tank