Ecology chapter 17

Define Nuclear fission

The splitting of nuclei atoms

Explain difference between nuclear fission and nuclear fusion.

Nuclear fission is the splitting and Nuclear Fusion is the combining of the atomic nuclei

New nuclei and neutrons result from...

the splitting of an atom's nucleus

The energy needs for the United States since the 1990s have...

risen slightly

Define petroleum

A liquid mixture of complex hydrocarbon compounds used widely as fuel source

Define Nuclear energy

Contained in the nuclei atoms

Describe how fossil fuels are used to produce electricity, and explain how an electric generator works.

The electricity is being transported quickly across great distances, An electric generator is a device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy

Describe how coal, oil, and natural gas form, how these fuels are used, and how using each fuel affects the environment.

Coal forms from the remains of plants that live in swamps for millions of years, Oil and natural gas form from the decay of tiny marine organisms that accumulated on the bottom of the ocean. The use of each fuel affects the environment because they cause air pollution.

Much of the oil and natural gas in the United States is located in what 4 areas?

Texas, Alaska, California, Gulf of Mexico

The energy in fossil fuels is often converted into

electricity

Coal is formed

from remains of plants that lived in swamps millions of years ago

Oil and natural gas form from

from the decay of tiny marine organisms that accumulate on the bottom of the ocean millions of years ago.

Most of the energy consumed in the United States is used for...

industrial purposes

An electric generator works by converting....

mechanical energy into electrical energy

During the process of nuclear fission, a neutron splits a uranium-235 atom, forming

more neutrons and releases energy

A nuclear reactor is..

surrounded by a thick pressure vessel filled with a cooling fluid

Define fossil fuels

A fossil fuel is a nonrenewable energy resource formed from the remains of organisms that lived long ago. Examples are oil, coal, natural gases.

Define oil reserves

Found in Middle East

Storage sites for nuclear wastes should only be stored in...

area that are extremely geologically stable

Describe two advantages and two disadvantages of nuclear power plants

Advantages are its a very concentrated energy course, don't produce air pollution. Disadvantages are its very expensive and makes it makes nuclear power plants no longer competitive.

If fossil fuels come from the remains of dead organisms, why are they not considered renewable resources?

Because we are using them up so fast than they are being renewed by a natural process.

What is the relationship between natural gas and petroleum?

Both are formed under the earth's surface, and are sources of fuel.

5 factors that influence the value of fuel

Energy content, cost, availability, safety and byproducts

Compare how energy is used worldwide with how it is used in the United States

In the United States energy is used for Residential, Industrial, Commercial, and Transportation use. Other countries worldwide such as Japan and Switzerland depend on extensive rail systems.

What is an advantage of nuclear energy?

It does not create air pollution

Compare a power plant that burns fossil fuels with a nuclear power plant.

Nuclear power plant creates less pollution.

Define Nuclear fusion

The combining of nuclei atoms

What is the main reason why fewer nuclear power plants are being built today compared to 40 years ago?

They are too expensive