Chapter 17 NonRenewable Energy – Flashcards
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electric generator
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a device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy
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fossil fuel
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a nonrenewable energy resource formed from the remains of organisms that lived long ago; examples include oil, coal, and natural gas
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nuclear energy
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the energy released by a fission or fusion reaction; the binding energy of the atomic nucleus
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nuclear fission
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the splitting of the nucleus of a large atom into two or morefragments; releases additional neutrons and energy
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nuclear fusion
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the combination of the nuclei of small atoms to form a larger nucleus; releases energy
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oil reserves
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oil deposits that are discovered and are in commercial production
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petroleum
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a liquid mixture of complex hydrocarbon compounds; used widely as a fuel source
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turbine
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is a wheel that changes the force of a moving gas or liquid into energy that can do work
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crude oil or (petroleum)
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oil that is pumped from the ground
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petroleum product
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anything that is made from crude oil, such as fuels, chemicals, and plastics
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Give 2 reasons why the US uses more energy per person than other countries.
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1. 25% of its energy resources are used to transport goods & people. 2. The US enjoys some of the lowest gasoline taxes in the world.
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What is the purpose of drilling exploration wells for oil?
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Exploration wells are drilled to determine the volume & availability of an oil deposit.
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What is the function of the pressure vessel of a nuclear reactor?
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The pressure vessel is used to contain the fission products in case of an accident.
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Why is it so difficult to find a place that can be used to store nuclear waste safety?
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It is difficult to find a place to store nuclear waste b/c the storage site must be located in an area that will be geologically stable for tens of thousands of years.
