What are Resources and how do we use

What are Resources, and how do we use them?

Natural Resources �A natural resource is anything from nature that people can use. � There are two main types: ◦ Renewable resources are able to be replaced in a reasonable amount of time. ◦ Nonrenewable resources are those that cannot be replaced after they are used up.

Natural Resources � Some examples of natural resources that we use for energy are water, wind, sunshine, soil, and fossil fuels (oil, coal, and gas). � Let’s think about some ways that you have used these resources today.

Natural Resources � Water, wind, sunshine, soil, and fossil fuels (oil, coal, and gas)… � Which ones do you think are renewable? � Which ones do you think are nonrenewable?

What are fossil fuels used for? � Used to heat water and air � Cooking food � Vehicle transportation � Making plastics, fertilizers, chemicals, and some medicines

How do we get fossil fuels? � Fossil fuels are taken from the ground. ◦ Coal is taken from the crust by mining ◦ Wells are drilled into the crust to get natural gas and petroleum � Their chemical energy is converted to thermal energy through combustion.

Resources in the US

Fossil Fuels and the Environment � These types of resources also release large amounts of carbon dioxide into the air when they are burned. ◦ Pollution- a waste product that harms living things and damages the environment

Renewable or not?

Alternative Energy

Alternative Energy � As our fossil fuel supply decreases we need to use more alternative energy sources. � Each source has advantages and disadvantages.

Hydroelectric Energy � Electricity water generated from the force of falling ◦ A turbine (water wheel) spins when water falls on it, which spins the generator to make electricity. � About 20% of today’s energy

Biomass � Organic matter that is living or was alive is burned to create heat to boil water. � The water produces steam and the steam turns turbines to run generators. � Ex) wood and garbage

Wind Energy � Windmills help pump water from underground to produce small amounts of energy. � Wind farms use wind turbines to create electricity. � Free, nonpolluting, and inexhaustible, but wind is not always stable.

Geothermal Energy � People use heat from inside the Earth to heat homes and produce electricity. � Water underground boils because of magma, and the steam comes to surface and turns turbines.

Solar Energy � The energy of sunlight heats water for pools or buildings � Water is heated until it boils and then the steam turns turbines � It is a free energy source, but some places are not sunny enough for it to be a main energy source.

Nuclear Energy � The energy released when a nucleus of an atom splits apart. � Creates heat which is used to boil water. The steam is used to run a generator. � Creates large amounts of energy, but is very dangerous to living things.

Discussion Question

Review Questions A B C D

Which of the following is renewable? A B C D