Chapter 13 Energy Terms

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Across
  1. 4. Organic compounds made up of hydrogen and carbon atoms. They are the primary components of fossil fuels like oil and natural gas. Hydrocarbons can exist in solid (coal), liquid (crude oil), or gas (natural gas) forms and are used as fuels or raw materials for chemicals.
  2. 8. A technology that converts sunlight directly into electricity using semiconductor materials. Photovoltaic cells, commonly known as solar panels, are made of materials like silicon that release electrons when exposed to sunlight, generating an electric current.
  3. 9. Nonrenewable energy resources that have formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals over millions of years. The primary fossil fuels are coal, oil, and natural gas. Burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change.
  4. 12. Energy derived from the heat stored beneath the Earth's surface. This heat can be used for direct heating or for generating electricity by using steam or hot water from geothermal reservoirs to drive turbines. Geothermal energy is a reliable and renewable energy source, particularly in regions with high geothermal activity.
  5. 14. Also known as oil sands, these are deposits of a mixture of sand, clay, water, and bitumen, a form of crude oil. The extraction of bitumen from tar sands requires energy-intensive processes like strip mining or steam injection. It has significant environmental impacts, including high greenhouse gas emissions.
  6. 15. Sedimentary rocks that contain kerogen, an organic matter that can be converted into oil through heating. Oil shales are considered a potential source of petroleum, but their extraction and processing are expensive and environmentally damaging.
Down
  1. 1. Energy harnessed from the movement of air (wind) using turbines that convert the kinetic energy of wind into electricity. Wind energy is one of the fastest-growing renewable energy sources and is considered environmentally friendly.
  2. 2. Buildings designed to maintain a comfortable indoor climate without the need for active heating or cooling systems. Passive homes use energy-efficient construction techniques, including high levels of insulation, airtight windows, and strategic positioning to maximize natural light and minimize energy use.
  3. 3. Energy generated from the movement of water, typically by using dams to control water flow, which turns turbines to generate electricity. Hydropower is a widely used renewable energy source, but it can have significant ecological impacts, particularly on aquatic ecosystems.
  4. 5. Energy derived from sources that are naturally replenished on a human timescale. These sources include sunlight, wind, geothermal heat, tides, and biomass. Renewable energy is considered sustainable because it has a low environmental impact and is not depleted over time.
  5. 6. Energy derived from sunlight. Solar energy can be captured through photovoltaic (PV) cells, which convert sunlight directly into electricity, or through solar thermal systems, which use mirrors or lenses to concentrate sunlight for heating or electricity generation.
  6. 7. Fuel made from organic materials, such as plants, algae, or animal waste. Biofuels can be liquid (e.g., ethanol or biodiesel) or gaseous (e.g., biogas). They are considered renewable alternatives to fossil fuels and are used for transportation, heating, and electricity generation.
  7. 10. Devices that generate electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, producing water and heat as byproducts. Fuel cells are efficient and produce clean energy with no greenhouse gas emissions. They are used in a variety of applications, including transportation (e.g., hydrogen-powered vehicles) and stationary power generation.
  8. 11. A type of nuclear reactor that is smaller in size than conventional reactors, with a modular design that allows for easier construction and scaling. SMRs are designed to be safer and more flexible in operation, with some models being able to run on a variety of fuels, including uranium or thorium.
  9. 13. Devices that use a small amount of energy to transfer heat from one place to another. They can extract heat from the air, ground, or water for use in heating or cooling buildings. Heat pumps are energy-efficient and can reduce reliance on fossil fuels for temperature control.