Energy Resources Study Cards

Enhance Your Learning with Energy Resources Flash Cards for quick learning



Fossil Fuels

Non-renewable energy sources formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals. Examples include coal, oil, and natural gas.

Renewable Energy Sources

Energy sources that can be replenished naturally, such as solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and biomass energy.

Nuclear Energy

Energy released from the nucleus of an atom through nuclear reactions. It is a non-renewable energy source that generates electricity.

Hydroelectric Power

Electricity generated by the force of moving water, typically from dams or flowing rivers. It is a renewable energy source.

Solar Energy

Energy from the sun that can be converted into electricity or used for heating and lighting. It is a renewable energy source.

Wind Energy

Energy harnessed from the wind using wind turbines to generate electricity. It is a renewable energy source.

Geothermal Energy

Heat energy stored beneath the Earth's surface that can be used for heating and generating electricity. It is a renewable energy source.

Biomass Energy

Energy derived from organic matter, such as plants and agricultural waste, which can be burned or converted into biogas. It is a renewable energy source.

Energy Conservation

Efforts to reduce energy consumption and promote efficient use of energy resources to minimize environmental impact and preserve natural resources.

Environmental Impacts

The effects of energy production and consumption on the environment, including air and water pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change.

Coal

A fossil fuel formed from the remains of plants that lived and died millions of years ago. It is primarily used for electricity generation and industrial processes.

Oil

A fossil fuel formed from the remains of marine organisms. It is used for transportation, heating, and electricity generation.

Natural Gas

A fossil fuel composed mainly of methane. It is used for heating, cooking, and electricity generation.

Photovoltaic Cells

Devices that convert sunlight directly into electricity using the photovoltaic effect. They are commonly used in solar panels.

Wind Turbines

Devices that convert the kinetic energy of wind into mechanical energy, which is then used to generate electricity.

Hydropower

Electricity generated by harnessing the energy of flowing or falling water. It is a renewable energy source.

Nuclear Power Plant

A facility that uses nuclear reactions to generate electricity. It involves the controlled release of nuclear energy.

Geothermal Heat Pump

A system that uses the constant temperature of the Earth to heat and cool buildings. It is an energy-efficient heating and cooling technology.

Biomass Conversion

The process of converting organic matter, such as crop residues and wood, into biofuels or biogas for energy production.

Energy Efficiency

The ratio of useful energy output to the total energy input. It measures how effectively energy is used.

Renewable Portfolio Standards

Government policies that require a certain percentage of electricity to be generated from renewable energy sources.

Carbon Footprint

The total greenhouse gas emissions caused by an individual, organization, event, or product, expressed as carbon dioxide equivalent.

Climate Change

Long-term shifts in temperature and weather patterns caused by human activities, primarily the burning of fossil fuels.

Sustainable Energy

Energy sources and practices that meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Energy Independence

Reducing dependence on foreign energy sources by producing enough energy domestically to meet the country's needs.

Energy Transition

The shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources and the adoption of energy-efficient technologies and practices.

Smart Grid

An advanced electrical grid that uses digital technology to monitor and control the flow of electricity, improving efficiency and reliability.

Carbon Capture and Storage

A technology that captures carbon dioxide emissions from power plants and industrial facilities and stores them underground to prevent their release into the atmosphere.

Wave Energy

Energy harnessed from the motion of ocean waves to generate electricity. It is a renewable energy source.

Tidal Energy

Energy generated by harnessing the gravitational pull of the moon and sun on the Earth's tides to generate electricity. It is a renewable energy source.

Bioenergy

Energy derived from organic matter, such as plants and animal waste, which can be burned or converted into biofuels. It is a renewable energy source.

Hydrogen Fuel Cell

A device that converts hydrogen and oxygen into electricity, with water as the only byproduct. It is a clean and efficient energy technology.

Energy Storage

The capture and storage of energy for later use, allowing for a more reliable and flexible energy supply.

Net Metering

A billing arrangement that allows customers with renewable energy systems to receive credit for excess electricity they generate and feed back into the grid.

Energy Star

A voluntary energy efficiency program that certifies products, buildings, and homes as meeting certain energy performance standards.

Carbon Neutrality

Achieving a balance between carbon emissions produced and carbon emissions removed from the atmosphere, resulting in no net increase in greenhouse gas levels.

Energy Audit

A systematic analysis of energy use in a building or facility to identify opportunities for energy efficiency improvements.

Sustainable Development

Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, considering social, economic, and environmental factors.

Energy Policy

A set of principles and goals that guide decision-making and actions related to energy production, distribution, and consumption.

Energy Subsidies

Financial incentives provided by governments to support the production or consumption of energy, often aimed at promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Energy Security

The availability and reliability of energy resources and the ability of a country to meet its energy needs without disruption.

Energy Poverty

The lack of access to modern energy services, such as electricity and clean cooking facilities, affecting billions of people worldwide.

Decentralized Energy Systems

Energy systems that generate and distribute energy at a local level, reducing transmission losses and increasing energy efficiency.

Carbon Pricing

A policy approach that puts a price on carbon emissions to incentivize the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and promote the transition to cleaner energy sources.

Energy Intensity

The amount of energy required to produce a unit of economic output, often used as a measure of energy efficiency.

Energy Equity

Ensuring that all individuals and communities have access to affordable, reliable, and clean energy services, regardless of their socioeconomic status or geographic location.

Energy Mix

The combination of different energy sources, such as fossil fuels, renewables, and nuclear power, used to meet a country's energy needs.

Energy Infrastructure

The physical systems and facilities, such as power plants, transmission lines, and pipelines, that are necessary for the production, distribution, and consumption of energy.

Energy Management

The process of monitoring, controlling, and optimizing energy use in a building or facility to achieve energy efficiency and cost savings.

Energy Demand

The amount of energy required to meet the needs of individuals, communities, industries, and countries for various purposes, such as heating, transportation, and electricity.

Energy Supply

The availability and delivery of energy resources to meet the demand for energy, including production, storage, and distribution.