ESR 172 #2

Photosynthesis converts solar energy into chemical energy in organic compounds

Coal, oil, natural gas- 90% of energy consumed on worldwide basis

The time when half of the worlds oil has been exploited: 2020-2050

Fossil fuels, power plants (bad)

Natural resources (good)

Measurement of insulation- the higher the R-value, the greater the insulation

Forms of stored solar energy

Photosynthesis converts solar energy into chemical energy in organic compounds such as glucose

• Natural gas
• -Considered a clean fuel
• -Produces fewer pollutants than burning coal or oil
• -Fewer environmental problems

Fine-grained sedimentary rock containing organic matter (kerogen)

Sedimentary rocks or sands impregnated with tar oil

Partially decomposed vegetation (peat) buried in sedimentary environment (swamp)- compressed into coal

Mostly Methane- Organic materials (mostly plants) buried with marine or lake sediments in depositional basins

Organic materials (mostly plants) buried with marine or lake sediments in depositional basins

drainage of acid from coal mine sites- acid pollutes water (evaporates and comes back down as acid rain)

Measure of how acidic or basic- represents the concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution

Liquid or gaseous fuels derived from solid fossil fuels (coal, oil shale, etc.)

energy from the sun converted into thermal or chemical energy

Extracted from heat stored in the earth- steam beds

Wind turns turbines which produce energy

Dam a river- water flow turns turbines- creates energy

Produce electricity by combining fuel hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2)

Energy recovered from biomass—organic matter, such as plant material and animal waste

Do not require mechanical power

Require mechanical power to circulate air, water or other fluids

Converts sunlight directly into electricity- generates solar energy

Use electric current to separate hydrogen (H2) from water (H2O)

Electricity, water and heat