Class Notes Alternative Energy

Questions/Main Idea:

Notes: Anything that is not a fossil fuel. Not all alternative energy sources are renewable. Renewable: Sun, water, wind. Nonrenewable: nuclear, geothermal (also can cause environmental impacts). Why arent alternative They are more expensive. Not always available when needed (solar energy energy sources used more if cant be generated at night). Still trying to figure out how to capture all theyre better for the Earth? different forms of energy. Not equally available in all geographic locations. More expensive than fossil fuels. What are the possible They are renewable. Reduces air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. environmental advantages Can lower price volatility that typically comes with fossil fuels. of using alternative energy sources? What is solar energy? Collects energy from the sun to provide heat and/or electricity. Active: Use the suns energy to heat water or air inside. Passive: Requires no moving parts - the structure is built to maximize the collection of solar energy. What is hydroelectric Dams are built to trap water, which is then released to spin turbines to (water) power? generate electricity. This is the most efficient way of producing energy because the water doesnt have to be made into something else. What is wind energy? Using wind to turn turbine blades that act as power generators (windmills) - usually grouped in clusters called wind farms What is nuclear energy? The process of using uranium-235 (nuclear fission) as a fuel source to created electricity. The fission of U-235 is used to heat water to create steam, which then turns a turbine to create electricity. What is geothermal energy? Using heat contained underground in rocks and magma to produce pockets of underground steam and hot water. The steam can be used to drive turbine which can then form electricity. Summary: What is alternative energy? Is alternative energy renewable?

Name: Logan Lane Thompson Period: H Block Date: 5/8/12