Vocabulary Chapter 11
Terms
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- Energy
- the quality that describes the capacity to do work
- Electricity
- flow of electrons, the tiny particles that whirl around the nucleus of an atom
- Electric generator
- device that converts mechanical energy into electric energy
- Fossil fuels
- organic substance such as coal, oil, and natural gas that is used as an energy source and is formed from the remains of organisms that lived millions of years ago
- Nuclear energy
- energy that exists within the nucleus of an atom
- Nuclear fusion
- the process in which lightweight atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing huge amounts of energy; basically the opposite of nuclear fission
- Nuclear fission
- process in which subatomic bonds that bind the components of the atomic nucleus are broken apart, releasing huge amounts of energy
- Solar Energy
- energy from the sun
- Wind energy
- energy captured as wind turns a turbine and generates electricity; an indirect form of solar energy
- Hydroelectricity
- electricity produced by converting the energy of moving water
- Geothermal energy
- energy that is drawn from heat within the Earth and used to drive electric generators
- Biomass
- organic matter in plants or plant products
- Gasohol
- blend of gasoline and alcohol for motor fuel
- Solar cells
- devices that convert the sun's energy directly into electricity
- Sustainable energy future
- we must develop new energy sources, make the most of the ones we already have, and use every form of energy as efficiently as possible