Chapter 9: Fossil Fuels and Nuclear Energy

Chapter 9: Fossil Fuels and Nuclear Energy

Deepwater Horizon Up in Smoke

nonrenewable energy

Central Question

9.1-9.3 Science

9.1 Fossil fuels provide energy in chemical form

MAJOR TYPES OF COAL VARY IN THEIR CARBON AND ENERGY CONTENT

Coal

Petroleum

REGIONAL AND NATIONAL COAL RESERVES

REFINING CRUDE OIL AND ITS MAJOR PRODUCTS

Natural Gas

GLOBAL RESERVES OF NATURAL GAS

Think About It

9.2 Power plants and vehicles burn fossil fuels to generate electricity and movement

Generating Electrical Power

Power Plants

ENERGY SOURCES FOR PRODUCTION OF ELECTRICAL ENERGY

Trains, Planes, Automobiles, and More

internal combustion

Think About It

combined cycle power

9.3 Nuclear energy is released by atomic fission and fusion

NUCLEAR REACTIONS

NUCLEAR FISSION

NUCLEAR FUSION

Nuclear Power Generation

GLOBAL URANIUM RESERVES

DIAGRAM OF A NUCLEAR POWER PLANT

Think About It

9.1–9.3 Science: Summary

9.4–9.6 Issues

9.4 Global energy use grows as energy shortages loom

Global Energy Consumption

Peak Oil

Other Peaks

Think About It

9.5 Fossil fuel extraction and use can harm the environment

Coal Mining and the Land

Coal Sludge and Fly Ash Spills

FLY ASH PONDS HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO CAUSE MASSIVE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

Oil Spills

Mining Oil Sands

The Fracking Boom

fracking (hydraulic

THE FRACKING WATER CYCLE

Think About It

9.6 Nuclear power development comes with environmental costs

Uranium Mining

Radioactive Waste Disposal

Nuclear Meltdowns

The Fukushima Nuclear Disaster

Think About It

9.4–9.6 Issues: Summary

9.7-9.9 Solutions

9.7 New laws and technology are cleaning up the oil industry

Regulations for Safer Fracking

Oil-Free Zones

Think About It

9.8 Ecosystem restoration can mitigate the environmental impacts of fossil fuel extraction

Restoration of Strip-Mined Prairie

RESTORATION FOLLOWING STRIP MINING OF WYOMING PRAIRIE

Restoration of Boreal Forest Oil Sands Mining

Restoration Following Mountaintop Removal Mining

Think About It

9.9 Advances in nuclear power plant operation and design are aimed at improving safety

RESULTS OF RESTORATION FOLLOWING MOUNTAINTOP REMOVAL MINING

Improvements to Existing Nuclear Power Plants

Making Future Nuclear Power Plants Safer

Recycling Fuel Rods

Nuclear Fusion

Think About It

9.7-9.9 Solutions: Summary

Central Question: How can we manage nonrenewable energy resources in a way that reduces environmental harm?

9.1–9.3 Science

9.4–9.6 Issues

Fossil Fuels, Nuclear Energy, and You

□ Stay informed.

Get involved.

☐ Consume energy wisely.

☐ Make energy-wise transportation choices.

9.7–9.10 Solutions

Answer the Central Question:

Chapter 9

Review Questions

1. What is the origin of the chemical energy of coal and crude oil?

2. Which of the following types of coal has the highest energy content?

3. What is the approximate energy efficiency of a coal-fired electrical power plant?

4. What is the basic difference between a coal-fired power plant and today’s nuclear power plants?

5. Which country now consumes the most energy per capita?

6. When do experts now predict we will reach peak oil production?

7. EPA regulations now require which of the following for coal ash ponds?

8. What is the major target of hydraulic fracturing, or fracking?

9. Which of the following is not currently included in restoration requirements following mountaintop removal mining?

10. Which of the following is the major feature of improved safety for the latest nuclear power plants?

Critical Analysis

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