Name ______Date ______Period ______
- Explain two differences between renewable and nonrenewable energy.
- Renewable energy can be replaced in a short period of time, but nonrenewable energy may take millions of years to replace.
- Renewable energy sources often do not get used up, but nonrenewable energy sources are used up completely.
- Explain how the ELECTROMAGNETIC EFFECT produces electricity from a turbine generator.
- Some energy source has to turn the blades of a turbine.
- The turbine is attached to a shaft, which also has magnets wrapped in copper wire attached to it.
- As the magnets spin in the presence of copper wire, the electromagnetic effect creates or induces an electric current in the wire.
- Explain how the PHOTOVOLTAIC EFFECT produces electricity.
- Light containing PHOTONS, or packets of energy, falls on a solar panel made of silicon, a semiconductor.
- Electrons are loosened and energized by the photons, and can move.
- Wires attached to the solar panel conduct the electric current to where it is needed.
- How can fossil fuels like coal be used to create electricity?
- Coal can be burned to heat water, which creates steam.
- The steam can push the blades of a turbine generator, which uses the electromagnetic effect to create a current.
- How can water be used to create electricity?
- Water falls down a height, changing its gravitational potential energy to mechanical energy as it pushes on the blades of a turbine generator.
- The blades turn a shaft which has magnets wrapped in copper wire attached to it.
- The electromagnetic effect causes an electric current to flow in the wire.
- Explain two advantages and two environmental concerns to using natural gas.
- Advantages: It burns cleaner than other fossil fuels, and can be found in deposits in the earth, ready to use.
- Disadvantages: When it is burned, it releases atmospheric pollutants and greenhouse gases, and it gets used up completely and is nonrenewable.
- How are uranium and coal similar? How are they different? Provide at least two ideas for each question.
- Similar: Both are nonrenewable and get used completely. Both can be used to heat water which can create steam, and the steam can turn the blades of a turbine generator and generate electricity.
- Different: Coal is a fossil fuel and uranium is a natural mineral resource. Coal is less dangerous to use than uranium.
- How is an energy transformation different from an energy transfer?
An energy transformation changes energy from one form to another, like potential energy to kinetic energy. An energy transfer moves energy from one place or object to another.
- How are conduction and convection alike? How are they different?
Conduction and convection both involved moving heat energy from one object to another. Conduction occurs between two solids that are in contact. Convection moves heat through a liquid or a gas.
- Why is coal so widely used in the United States, even though it produces greenhouse gases?
Coal is used widely because it is not as expensive as some other fuels, and we are used to using it, so we have the power plants and equipment already available for it. We are trying to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases released from burning coal, so the effect on the atmosphere and environment won’t be as bad.