CHAPTER 1

6 NOTE

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SECTION 1: FOSSIL FUELS

• Fossil Fuels: Fuels such as petroleum, oil, natural gas or coal. These are formed from the decaying remains of plants and animals.

• Can be burned for electricity. (70%)• Most of the compounds in

petroleum are hydrocarbons.•These react with oxygen with fossil fuels are burned.

• Non-renewable energy. They can be replaced, but it takes millions of years.•Alternate energy sources are needed because fossil fuel is diminishing.

• If fossil fuel increases, so will Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) in the atmosphere.

SECTION 2: NUCLEAR ENERGY • Many power plants are trying to

convert nuclear energy into electrical energy without burning fossil fuels.•Nuclear power is still considered non-renewable.

• Nuclear reactors use the fuel from uranium-235 to produce electricity.

• Unwanted radioactive products formed during nuclear reactions are considered to be nuclear waste.

NUCLEAR FISSION VS FUSION

• Nuclear Fission: When Uranium-235 starts to decay, it splits into two smaller nuclei. Because every U-235 splits, it causes a nuclear chain reaction. Could be very dangerous if not controlled.

• Nuclear Fusion: Fusion is the joining together of small nuclei at high temperatures. The mass is converted into energy.• Advantage: This uses Hydrogen as fuel and Hydrogen

is abundant on Earth. Another advantage is the product produced is Helium and it’s not reactive.• Disadvantage: Only occurs at temperatures of millions

degrees Celsius. It takes more energy to create these temperatures than the energy produced.

RISKS OF NUCLEAR ENERGY

• Environmental Damage from mining uranium

• Disposal of radioactive waste• Thermal Pollution of rivers and

streams

RENEWABLE RESOURCES

• An energy source that is replaced nearly as quickly as it is used.• Sunlight, Water, Tides, Wind, Geothermal and Biomass are

examples.• Sunlight: Using sun’s energy• Water : Hydroelectricity• Tides: Using Gravity of the moon and sun and ocean

movement.• Wind: Using windmills to harness energy.• Geothermal: Energy contained in hot magma.• Biomass: organic matter burned in the presence of

oxygen.

DISADVANTAGES TO NON-RENEWABLE

• Often times limited to location• Very expensive• Some can damage the

environment