More Sources of Thermal Energy Heat Escape Lessening

More Sources of Thermal Energy

Heat Escape Lessening Posture

More Sources of Thermal Energy A composter is another source of thermal energy where decomposers break down food. Chemical changes occur, like burning or digesting food. As these changes occur, they release thermal energy.

More Sources of Thermal Energy 150°F ≈ 65°C

Fossil Fuels An energy resource is anything that can provide energy in a useful form. The main energy resource in Alberta and throughout the world are fossil fuels.

Fossil Fuels Fossil fuels are fuels made of decomposed plants and other organisms that have been under pressure deep underground for millions of years.

Fossil Fuels Two examples of fossil fuels are petroleum oils and natural gas.

Fossil Fuels We have been using fossil fuels for only a very short time compared to the age of the Earth, but we have already used up about half of the known easy-to-obtain fuel sources that we have. At our present rate of consumption, how long will it be until we use up our fuel sources? (Hint: use Figure 3. 37). Identify all three main sources.

Fossil Fuels • • Natural gas – about 60 years Petroleum – about 60 years Coal – about 1000 years It will only take about 1000 years to use up our fossil fuels. As a result, fossil fuels will become more difficult and more expensive to obtain.

Fossil Fuels Since fossil fuels take millions of years to form, we refer to them as non-renewable resources.

Fossil Fuels Renewable resources are energy resources that can be recycled or replaced by natural processes in less than 100 years. Two examples of renewable resources are trees and food crops.

Global Warming Another problem occurs when fossil fuels burn and produce carbon dioxide gas. Carbon dioxide gas has the ability to retain (keep in) heat in the atmosphere. As we use more products that release carbon dioxide, we are keeping more heat trapped in the atmosphere. Over time, this increases the overall temperature of Earth’s atmosphere.

Greenhouses Gases Greenhouse gases are gases, such as carbon dioxide, that result from the burning of fossil fuels or wood. They prevent heat from leaving the atmosphere, increasing the temperature of the atmosphere. They can • change climatic zones • affect plant growth • dry up rivers and lakes • melt polar ice caps

Cogeneration Thermal pollution is the accidental warming of the environment. Cogeneration is a method of energy conservation by which waste heat or energy from one industry is used by another industry.

Cogeneration

Review Why have Albertans not taken greater advantage of their geothermal energy sources like the hot springs near Banff? • Protected land space – part of a National Park • Banff is a tourist attraction • High cost to transport electricity to a major centre.

Nuclear Reactor