Resources and Energy

Science

Organic matter or animal waste that can be burned for energy

Biomass

Organic matter or animal waste that can be burned for energy. Biomass. Biomass is material from plants and animals that can be used as a renewable energy source.

A fossil fuel made of decayed plant material

Coal

A fossil fuel made of decayed plant material. Coal. It is a black or brownish-black rock that is burned to produce energy.

the careful management and use of resources

Conservation explained in an easy to understand way.

The percentage of energy input that a machine converts to work output

Efficiency

The percentage of energy input that a machine converts to work output. Efficiency. Efficiency is a measure of how well energy is converted into useful work by a machine or process.

The ability to do work

Energy

The ability to do work. Energy. In simple terms, energy is what makes things happen or change.

Fossil fuel explained in an easy to understand way.

the force that opposes motion between two surfaces that are touching

Friction explained in an easy to understand way.

A material that releases energy when burned, like wood, coal or oil

Fuel

A material that releases energy when burned, like wood, coal or oil. Fuel. Fuel is a substance that provides energy when it undergoes a chemical reaction, such as burning.

A mixture of gasoline and alcohol that is used as a fuel

Gasohol

A mixture of gasoline and alcohol that is used as a fuel. Gasohol is a blend of gasoline and ethanol used to power vehicles.

Heat energy released from within the Earth

Geothermal energy

Heat energy released from within the Earth. Geothermal energy. Geothermal energy is the natural heat that comes from the Earth's interior, which we can use to generate electricity or heat buildings.

the thermal energy transferred from a warmer object to a cooler object

Heat explained in an easy to understand way.

Electricity generated from flowing water

Hydroelectric energy

Electricity generated from flowing water. Hydroelectric energy. It's a method of producing electricity using the movement of water, typically through dams, to turn turbines.

A material that slows the transfer of heat energy

Insulation

A material that slows the transfer of heat energy. Insulation. It keeps heat inside during winter and outside during summer, acting like a thermal barrier.

Kinetic energy explained in an easy to understand way.

A fossil fuel often found in underground rock layers

Natural gas

A fossil fuel often found in underground rock layers. Natural gas. Natural gas is a flammable gas mixture primarily made up of methane, used as an energy source.

A material or an energy source in the environment, like trees, water or wind

Natural resource

A material or an energy source in the environment, like trees, water, or wind, is called a natural resource. Natural resources are materials or energy we find in nature that humans use for survival and development.

Nonrenewable resource explained in an easy to understand way.

The energy released when the nuclei of atoms are split or combined

Nuclear energy

The energy released when the nuclei of atoms are split or combined. Nuclear energy. It is the powerful energy generated in the core of an atom when tiny particles are split apart or fused together.

The splitting of an atomic nucleus into smaller nuclei and neutrons, this releases energy

Nuclear fission

The splitting of an atomic nucleus into smaller nuclei and neutrons, this releases energy. Nuclear fission is a process where a heavy nucleus breaks apart to release lots of energy.

The combining of two nuclei to form a single nucleus, this releases energy

Nuclear fusion

The combining of two nuclei to form a single nucleus, this releases energy. Nuclear fusion. Nuclear fusion is a process where two light atomic nuclei merge to form a heavier nucleus, releasing a large amount of energy, like in the sun.

A black liquid fossil fuel that is nonrenewable

Petroleum

A black liquid fossil fuel that is nonrenewable. Petroleum. It is a natural substance formed from ancient microorganisms that is used to produce energy and various products.

the energy an object has from its position or condition, like a ball on a hill or a stretched spring

Potential energy explained in an easy to understand way.

Recovering useful material from waste for reuse

Recycling

Recovering useful material from waste for reuse. Recycling. Recycling is the process of converting waste into reusable materials to conserve resources and reduce pollution.

a resource that is replaced by nature more quickly than it is consumed

Renewable resource explained in an easy to understand way.

Solar energy explained in an easy to understand way.

how hot or cold something is, it is determined by the kinetic energy of its particles

Temperature explained in an easy to understand way.

the energy of the moving particles in an object

Thermal energy explained in an easy to understand way.

A repeating disturbance that transfers energy through matter or space

Wave

A repeating disturbance that transfers energy through matter or space. Wave. In simple terms, a wave is a way energy moves from one place to another, like how ocean waves travel across the sea.