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Learn about the characteristics and uses of nonrenewable resources such as nuclear energy, coal, petroleum, and natural gas, as well as renewable resources like solar energy, geothermal energy, wind energy, biomass, and hydroelectric power.
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HMMMM.... What do you think nonrenewable resources are? Break it down... Nonrenewable? Resource?
NONRENEWABLE RESOURCES A nonrenewable resource is a natural resource that cannot be re-made or re-grown at a scale comparable to its consumption.
NUCLEAR ENERGY Formation: It is energy is stored in the nucleus (center) of an atom, and energy is in the bonds that hold the nucleus together. Splitting these bonds releases energy (fission)
Fission:Splitting these bonds releases energy U = Uranium Kr = Krypton Ba = Barium
Nuclear energy is a nonrenewable resource because once the uranium is used, it is gone!
Characteristics of Nuclear Energy • Most widely used fuel from nuclear fission in Uranium (metal found in rocks) • 1 pellet of uranium (Size of fingertip) = 150 gallons of oil • Produces dangerous radioactive waste • Does not pollute air
What is Nuclear Energy Used for? • We use the heat from fission to produce electricity • Nuclear Energy is also used to create bombs
COAL, PETROLEUM, AND GAS Coal, petroleum, and natural gas are considered nonrenewable because they can not be replenished in a short period of time. These are called fossil fuels.
Oil - Formation AKA: Petroleum “oil from the Earth” Oil is formed from the buried remains of microscopic marine (water) organisms and decayed plants
Oil - Characteristics • Thick black liquid • Most commonly used energy resource (39.4%) • Found in underground reservoirs
What is Oil Used for? Diesel fuel Jet fuel Gasoline Propane (mix of natural gas and oil) Ink Crayons CD’s and DVD’s Dishwashing liquids Deodorant Tires
Natural Gas Formation Formed from buried remains of microscopic marine organisms and decayed plants. Gas escapes from small gaps.
Natural Gas – Characteristics • In a Gas form • Mostly methane (Which is a strong greenhouse gas) • 2nd most commonly used resources (23.6%)
What is Natural Gas used for? Propane Gas Cooking/grilling Paint Fertilizer Explosives Used to heat ½ homes in U.S. Production of: Steel Glass Paper Clothing Electricity
How is Coal Formed Dead plants in a swampy area are covered by more plants, H₂O, and sediments. Lack of Oxygen (O₂) causes plants to break down (AKA: Peat). Coal forms after millions of years.
Characteristics of Coal • Black or brownish sedimentary rock • Most abundant fossil fuel in U.S. • Compact • Brittle • Provides heat energy when burned • Can pollute environment • Extracted by mining • Strip mining: Dug up from surface of Earth • Open-pit mining: Tunnels are dug on side of hill or mountain
What is Coal Used for? • 93% used to generate electricity • Steel
HMMMM.... If nonrenewable resources are resources that cannot be re-made at a scale comparable to its consumption, what are renewable resources?
RENEWABLE RESOURCES Renewable resources are natural resources that can be replenished in a short period of time. ● Solar ● Geothermal ● Wind ● Biomass ● Water
SOLAR Formation: Energy from the Sun is captured using solar cells/solar panels
Solar Energy Advantages Can be converted into Thermal (heat) energy Can be converted into electricity No pollution When solar panels are on buildings there’s little impact on the environment
Solar Energy Disadvantages Amount of sunlight is not constant (depends on: location, time of day/year, and weather) Requires a large surface for solar panels
GEOTHERMAL Break it Down: geo (Earth) thermal (heat) Formation: Energy from within the Earth in the form of steam or hot water
Geothermal Advantages Heat is constantly produced inside the Earth and found everywhere Little to no pollution
Geothermal Disadvantages • Digging can destroy habitats • Takes a lot of energy to dig wells (1-2 miles deep)
WIND Formation: Energy from moving air caused by uneven heating of Earth’s surface
Why does the Wind Blow? Due to the uneven heating of the Earth's surface the cold air pushes the warm up creating the wind
Wind Advantages No pollution Wind is free Little harm to environment
Wind Disadvantages Requires very strong winds Requires a large area for several windmills Wind farm Modern wind turbines are not pretty
BIOMASS Formation: Energy from burning organic Material such as:
Biomass 1) Wood/plants stored solar energy can pollute when burned destroys habitats can replaces trees and plants
Biomass 2) Alcohol During distillation, biomass fuel, such as corn, is turned into an alcohol (ethanol) We put more energy into making it than the energy we get out of it Local use of energy
Biomass 3) Garbage Burning garbage produces heat Cheap produces toxic ash/air pollution
WATER or HYDROELECTRIC Formation: Energy from moving H2O turn turbines at the end of dams that then turns generators to make elect. In U.S Break it down: Hydro (Water) Electric (Electricity)
Hydroelectric Advantages Cheap No pollution
Hydroelectric Disadvantages • Up stream lakes fill with sediment and downstream erosion increases • Can cause floods • Can cause damage to habitats
Examples of Hydroelectric Energy Hoover Dam tidal fences/turbines wave power underwater wave energy
SUMMARY What are the differences between nonrenewable and renewable resources?