Renewable and Nonrenewable Energy
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What you will learn
- 1Define renewable and nonrenewable energy sources
- 2Match energy sources to their renewable or nonrenewable label and a real-life example
- 3Explain why switching to renewable energy is important for the environment
Mini Lesson
Energy sources power our homes, businesses, and vehicles. Some energy sources are renewable — they are replaced naturally and will not run out. Others are nonrenewable — they exist in limited amounts and take millions of years to form, so once used they cannot be replaced quickly.
Renewable Energy Sources
- Solar energy — comes from sunlight; captured by solar panels to power homes and businesses.
- Wind energy — wind turns turbines to generate electricity; used in wind farms.
- Hydroelectric energy — flowing water turns turbines; used in dams to produce electricity.
- Geothermal energy — heat from deep inside the Earth; used to heat buildings in volcanic regions.
- Biomass — energy from organic materials (wood, crops); burned or converted to biofuel.
Nonrenewable Energy Sources
- Coal — formed from ancient plants over millions of years; burned in power stations.
- Oil (petroleum) — refined into gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel for cars, trucks, and planes.
- Natural gas — burned for heating, cooking, and generating electricity.
- Nuclear energy — releases energy from uranium atoms; produces large amounts of electricity.
Words to know
Renewable
An energy source that is replaced naturally and will not run out
e.g. Solar power is a renewable energy source.
Nonrenewable
An energy source that exists in limited amounts and cannot be replaced quickly
e.g. Coal is a nonrenewable resource.
Fossil fuel
A fuel formed from ancient plants and animals over millions of years
e.g. Oil and gas are fossil fuels.
Solar panel
A device that captures sunlight to make electricity
e.g. Our library roof has solar panels.
Turbine
A machine with spinning blades that helps generate electricity
e.g. A wind turbine spins to create power.
Renewable energy sources produce little or no pollution. Burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas) releases carbon dioxide, which contributes to climate change.
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