Resources and Environmental Challenges

Pictures and Definitions for Unit 10 Vocabulary

• Biomass

Organic matter, especially plant matter,

that can be converted to fuel

Chemical Energy

The part of the energy in a substance that can be released by

a chemical reaction

conduction

The transfer of heat between 2 parts of a stationary system caused

by the temperature difference between the 2 parts.

convection

The transfer of heat by circulation or movement of the heated parts

of a liquid or a gas

Coral reef

Reef: a ridge of rocks/and or sand at or

near the surface of the water.

Coral Reef: A reef composed mainly of

coral and other organic matter some of which gets solidified

into limestone.

deforestation

The intentional clearing of treesfrom a forest

ethanol

The technical name for alcohol that is used as an additive or

replacement for petroleum based fuels.

external energy sources

Outside processes or elements that provide the earth with energy. The sun, tides, and radioactive decay.

mechanical energy

Energy in a mechanical system

Kinetic (moving)+

potential (stored)

= usable energy released

non-renewable energy sources

Energy sources that cannot be replenished in a short period of

time.

nuclear energy

A way of creating energy that comes from splitting uranium atoms. The process of splitting

atoms is called fission.

ozone

A molecule containing 3 oxygen atoms instead of 2. It is formed by electrical discharge combined with

ultraviolet light

The act of making air, water or land unsafe

radiation

Energy transferred by electromagnetic waves

thermal energy

Total kinetic energy in all the particles of a substance; also called

heat energy

hydroelectic energy

Electricity generated using the power of falling water to turn

turbines, usually associated with dams

stratosphere

A layer of the Earth’s atmosphere reaching from 16 – 50 kilometers

above the surface

Renewable energy

Usable energy that comes from resources which are continuously

replenished

tides

Movement of surface water caused by the sun and moon’s

gravitational pull on the Earth

waves

Movement of surface water that contains usable energy

Geothermal energy

Energy obtained from thermal energy inside Earth

solar energy

Energy from the sun in the form of heat and light

Fossil fuels

Fuels that have been formed by organic remains of plants and

animals