Natural Resources Natural Resources Natural resources substances that
Natural Resources
Natural Resources Natural resources: substances that come from Earth EXAMPLES Metals (ex. Gold & copper) for jewelry, coins, construction, etc Nonmetals (ex. Halite & graphite) for food, pencil lead, jewelry, glass Fossil Fuels (coal, petroleum) for heating, power plants, fuels, medicines, plastics
Scarcity Scarcity- As demand increases, supply can decrease, depending on the availability of the item This can cause an increase in prices
Recycling is a way to meet our needs and save resources while reducing the amount of trash that must be disposed of
Renewable Resources Renewable resources: can be replaced after they have been used Examples: trees and, in general, freshwater (excludes desert areas)
Nonrenewable Resources Nonrenewable resources: after they are used, they cannot be replaced for millions of years if at all The resource may be used faster than it is replaced Examples: gold and copper, iron, aluminum, and fossil fuels
Fossil Fuels Fossil Fuels: coal, oil and natural gas, which were formed millions of years ago from the remains of ancient organisms Scientists estimate that we will run out of coal within 200 years
Alternative Energy Sources: other sources of energy to replace fossil fuels
Alternative Energy Sources Solar energy: Pros: a. plentiful b. provide heat, hot water and generate electricity Cons: a. amount of sun varies with the time of day and seasons b. more expensive than fossil fuels
Alternative Energy Sources Geothermal energy: comes from heat within Earth that can be used to generate electricity and produce heat and hot water Problems: it’s only available in certain areas such as northern California and Iceland
Alternative Energy Sources Wind Turbines: Uses energy from the wind to make electricity Problem: only makes sense in areas where there are strong, steady winds.
Alternative Energy Sources Hydroelectric power: Captures the energy from flowing water Problems: dams may break or cause backup flooding
Nuclear Energy Nuclear energy: generates electricity without causing air pollution Cons: a. extremely dangerous b. need for long-term storage of radioactive wastes. c. Might be a target or radioactive resource for terrorists
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