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Chapter 5
Energy and
Energy Resources
5-4 Energy Resources
Energy Resources
A natural resource that can be converted by
humans into forms of energy in order to do useful
work!
Nonrenewable
Resources
These are energy resources that cannot
be replaced after they have been used or
need thousands to millions of years to be
replaced.
Examples: Fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural
gas)
Fossil Fuels
Fossil fuels are energy resources that formed
from the buried remains of plants and animals
that lived millions of years ago.
The plants stored energy from the sun during
photosynthesis.
(CO2 + H2O --> Glucose + O2)
Animals stored this same energy by eating the
plants.
So, fossil fuels are concentrated forms of the
sun’s energy!
Fossil Fuels- Coal
Most coal in the US is burned to produce
steam to run electric generators. Coal is
formed from fossilized plants.
Fossil Fuels- Petroleum
Petroleum (also called oil) is a fossil fuel that
is used to make gasoline, kerosene, jet fuel,
diesel fuel, and other products such as
asphalt, rayon and vasoline.
Fossil Fuels- Natural Gas
Natural gas is used for heating and generating
electricity. Methane is the main component of
natural gas. Butane and propane also come from
natural gas.
Electrical Energy from Fossil Fuels
Burning fossil fuels are the primary source of
energy in the United States.
KE is converted to electrical energy by an electric
generator.
Nuclear Energy
Nuclear power plants generate thermal
energy that boils water to produce steam.
The steam turns a turbine, which rotates a
generator that converts KE into electrical
energy.
Nuclear Fission
Renewable Energy
Resources
An energy resource that can be used and
replaced in nature in a short period of time.
Solar Energy
Sunlight can be converted into electrical energy
using photovoltaic solar cells.
Water Energy
The potential energy of water in a reservoir is
converted into kinetic energy as the water flows
downhill through a dam. A generator converts
the kinetic energy into electrical energy.
Wind Energy
A wind turbine converts kinetic energy into
electric energy by rotating a generator.
Geothermal Energy
Thermal energy found from the heat of the Earth
is used to heat up water into steam. This steam
then turns a generator that creates electricity.
Biomass
Plants capture the sun’s energy and when
burned, the energy is released.