Alternative Energy

Do Now 1/10/14List as many things as you can that your household re-uses.

Example:My husband reuses glass jars to hold his nails and screws.

NUCLEAR ENERGY How it WorksNuclear fission uses uranium to create heat. Water is heated making steam which turns the turbine. Turbine runs the generator which creates electricity.

Nuclear Energy

NUCLEAR ENERGY Pros/Cons

Advantages:Less PollutionLower CostDisadvantages:NonrenewableFear of nuclear accidents

SOLAR Energy How it WorksSolar panels collects photons from the Sun. They pull out electrons, creating electricity.

SOLAR Energy Pros/ConsAdvantages:RenewableEfficientNo pollution

Disadvantages:Expensive

GEOTHERMAL Energy How it WorksWater is pumped into the ground. It is heated by heat from within the Earth. The steam produced turns the turbine which powers the generator making electricity.

Geothermal - Pros/ConsAdvantages:RenewableLess PollutionLess Expensive (In some areas)Disadvantages:Not easy to get to.

WIND Energy How it WorksWind turns the turbine which powers the generator, creating energy.

Wind Energy - Pros/ConsAdvantages:RenewableLess PollutionLess ExpensiveDisadvantages:Not windy everywhereNoisyHarmful to birds

BIOMASS Energy How it WorksOrganic material is burned to heat water and create steam. Steam turns the turbine which powers the generator making electricity.

Biomass Energy - Pros/ConsAdvantages:RenewableLess ExpensiveDiscards wasteDisadvantages:Air PollutionSmelly

HYDROELECTRIC How it WorksWater flows past turning the turbine which powers the generator creating electricity.

Hydroelectric Energy - Pros/ConsAdvantages:RenewableNo PollutionLess ExpensiveDisadvantages:Changes EcosystemsMust have hills or mountains and running water

Tidal Energy How it WorksAs tides rise and fall water turns the turbine which powers the generator that creates electricity.

Tidal Energy - Pros/ConsAdvantages:RenewableNo PollutionLess Expensive

Disadvantages:Limited AreasCan interfere with shipping