Renewable & Nonrenewable Resources (College Board AP® Environmental Science): Flashcards
0Still learning
Know0
Define energy.
Was this flashcard helpful?
Cards in this collection (28)
Define energy.
Energy is the ability to do work or cause change.
True or False?
Energy can be created when fuel is burned.
False.
The first law of thermodynamics states that energy cannot be created or destroyed; burning fuel only changes energy from one form to another.
What does the second law of thermodynamics state about energy conversions?
The second law of thermodynamics states that when energy changes from one form to another, the energy quality is less.
Define chemical energy.
Chemical energy is energy stored in a molecule's atomic bonds.
Which process at the sun's center converts nuclear energy into heat?
Nuclear fusion at the sun's center converts nuclear energy into heat, keeping the core extremely hot.
During fusion in the sun's core, protons combine to form , releasing energy.
During fusion in the sun's core, protons combine to form helium, releasing energy.
Which two types of energy make up mechanical energy?
Mechanical energy is made up of potential energy (such as a book on a table) and kinetic energy (such as a baseball flying through the air).
True or False?
Nuclear energy is released only when atoms are split.
False.
Nuclear energy is released by splitting or combining atoms.
Electron movement generates energy.
Electron movement generates electrical energy.
What are the three main sources of energy for human society?
Human society gets energy from fossil fuels, nuclear power, and renewable sources such as wind and solar energy.
Define electromagnetic energy.
Electromagnetic energy is energy that flows in waves at the speed of light.
What is the most common unit of energy worldwide?
The most common unit of energy worldwide is the joule (J).
Define British thermal unit (BTU).
A British thermal unit (BTU) is the amount of heat needed to raise one pound of water by 1 degree Fahrenheit.
True or False?
Power is the total amount of energy stored in a fuel.
False.
Power is the rate at which work is done or energy is transmitted; the total amount stored is the energy.
What does a kilowatt (kW) measure?
A kilowatt (kW) measures how much power a specific appliance consumes while it is being used.
Which unit is most commonly used for electrical energy in the U.S.?
The kilowatt-hour (kWh), a measure of energy over time, is the most common unit of electrical energy in the U.S.
Define nonrenewable energy source.
A nonrenewable energy source is finite and will eventually run out.
Define fossil fuels.
Fossil fuels are the remains of fossilized plants and animals from millions of years ago.
True or False?
The chemical energy stored in fossil fuels originally came from sunlight.
True.
Plants transferred sunlight energy into chemical energy stores by photosynthesis, and animals gained it by eating the plants.
What are the three main fossil fuels?
The three main fossil fuels are coal, crude oil, and natural gas.
Natural gas is mostly made up of .
Natural gas is mostly made up of methane.
What type of fuel is used to generate nuclear energy?
Nuclear energy is generated from radioactive fuels such as uranium.
True or False?
Current U.S. energy demand is mostly met by renewable energy sources.
False.
Current U.S. energy demand is mostly met by nonrenewable energy sources.
Define renewable energy source.
A renewable energy source can be replenished naturally at or near the rate of consumption and reused.
Solar, wind, and hydro are renewable energy sources because they are infinite.
Solar, wind, and hydro are nondepletable renewable energy sources because they are infinite.
Define depletable renewable energy source.
A depletable renewable energy source can run out if overconsumed, such as biomass (for example, ethanol and wood).
Define life cycle assessment (LCA).
A life cycle assessment (LCA) looks at how an energy system affects the environment at all stages of its life, from extracting raw materials to installing, running, maintaining, and disposing of or reusing it.
How do life cycle assessments help policymakers?
Life cycle assessments help policymakers make better choices about how to promote sustainable energy.
Sign up to unlock flashcards
or