All Flashcards
How can transitioning to renewable energy sources help?
Reduces reliance on fossil fuels, decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and pollution.
How can improving energy efficiency help?
Reduces energy consumption, lowering the demand for fossil fuels.
What are fossil fuels?
Non-renewable energy sources from ancient organisms.
Define non-renewable.
Resources that take millions of years to form.
What is coal?
Fossil fuel formed from ancient plant matter.
What is oil (petroleum)?
Fossil fuel formed from ancient aquatic organisms.
What is natural gas?
Fossil fuel mostly methane (CH4), formed from ancient organic matter.
Define combustion.
Chemical reaction releasing energy (Fuel + Oxygen → Heat + Light + Chemicals).
What is hydraulic fracturing (fracking)?
Drilling and injecting fluid to fracture rock and release oil/gas.
Define air pollution.
Contamination of the atmosphere with harmful substances.
What is acid rain?
Rainwater polluted by sulfuric and nitric acids.
Define climate change.
Long-term shifts in temperature and weather patterns.
Why are fossil fuels non-renewable?
They take millions of years to form.
What is the significance of combustion?
Releases energy from fossil fuels, but also pollutants.
Describe complete combustion.
Ideal scenario, produces non-toxic water vapor and heat.
Describe incomplete combustion.
Produces pollutants like carbon monoxide (CO) and soot.
Why is fracking controversial?
Significant environmental risks, including groundwater contamination and earthquakes.
Why is coal considered the 'dirtiest' fossil fuel?
Releases more pollutants (CO2, NOx, SO2, particulates) than oil or natural gas.
Why is natural gas considered the 'cleanest' fossil fuel?
Produces fewer pollutants than coal or oil when burned.
How do greenhouse gases contribute to climate change?
Trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to global warming.
What are the impacts of oil spills?
Devastating to marine life and ecosystems.
Why is resource depletion a concern with fossil fuels?
Fossil fuels are non-renewable and being used faster than they can be replenished.