Fossil Fuels & Electricity

Electricity as a resource

Electricity is created by the flow of electrons.

(Most) Power plants use electric generators powered by fossil fuels.

What are fossil fuels & which kinds are used to get electricity?

…are the remains of things that died millions of years ago.

EX: Coal, oil, and natural gas

What are the drawbacks to using fossil fuels for electricity?

1) Supply is limited – fossil fuels are a NONRENEWABLE resource.

2) Pollution – combustion of FF causing greenhouse gases (& global warming).

Renewable & Nonrenewable Resources

Renewable – can be replaced

ex: trees, wind, sunlight

Nonrenewable – can not be replaced

ex: fossil fuels

Nuclear Energy

What is nuclear energy?

…energy within the nucleus of an atom.

How does nuclear energy work?

… by splitting an atom (nuclear fission) energy is released.

Nuclear power plants have to control nuclear fission!!

Nuclear Power Plant

Advantages of nuclear energy…

1) Produce lots of energy.

(Usually uranium)

2) No polluting gases are produced.

3) Less maintenance

Disadvantages to using nuclear energy…

1) Produces radioactive wastes.

2) Small supply.

3) Expensive (due to safety precautions).

4) Safety concerns

Is nuclear power safe?

There have been accidents.

Chernobyl (1986)

3-mile Island (1979)

Meltdowns & chain reactions can cause severe destruction

Chernobyl

What is nuclear fusion?

…2 nuclei are combined and release energy.

May be a future source of safe energy.