Topic 4.0 – Society and Electricity

I. Ways to Produce Electrical Energy

A. Using Thermal Energy (Heat)o Coal: Is burned to produce heato Nuclear Fission : Uranium atom is split to produce heato Geothermal : Steam from beneath the Earth’s surface is

used to drive turbines. o Biomass: Biodegradable garbage is burned to produce

heat.o Cogeneration: Taking heat from a manufacturing

process and using it to heat water to steam.

Bill Nye Video: Energy

I. Ways to Produce Electrical Energy

A. Using Thermal Energy (Heat)Basic Steps:1. Heat is used to boil water. (thermal energy)2. Water turns to steam.3. Steam turns a turbine (mechanical energy) 4. Turbine is connected to generator which produces

electrical energy.

I. Ways to Produce Electrical Energy

B. Using HydroelectricBasic Steps:1. Water is held behind a dam. 2. When reservoir opens, water falls down on a

turbine. (mechanical energy)3. Turbine is connected to generator which produces

electrical energy.

I. Ways to Produce Electrical Energy

C. Alternative Energy Sourceso Tides: moving water in ocean moves turbineso Wind : wind moves windmills connected to turbines.o Sunlight : sunlight excites electrons in solar panelso Batteries: Use chemical energy to create electrical

energy

I. Ways to Produce Electrical Energy

D. Renewable vs. Non-renewable ResourcesRenewable resources – those that can be replaced

over short periods of time. Some are continually made.

Ex. Wind, Tidal, Solar, Geothermal, Biomass

Non-renewable resources- those that cannot be replaced if used up

Ex. Coal, Nuclear, Oil, Natural gas

II. Electricity and the Environment

o The burning of fossil fuels (oil, natural gas) release the following into the air:oSO2 – causes acid rainoNOx – causes air pollutionoCO2 – is a known greenhouse gas

Sidenote: Greenhouse gases increase the Earth’s average temperature

Mining for coal involves strip mining. It is the process of removing all plants and animals from the area and digging up scoops of coal.

oWhen generating electricity, water is needed and warm water is released back into the river.oThis alters the temperature of the lake/river and

can kill organisms. (Wabamun)oCalled thermal pollution

II. Electricity and the Environment

o Nuclear energy produces radioactive wastes that cannot be disposed of.

o Hydroelectric uses dams which can flood hectares of land

o Wind farms/ solar energy requires large amounts of land.

II. Electricity and the Environment

Even though some energy sources are considered “green” they all cause problems for our environment.

II. Electricity and the Environment

Sustainability – the idea of using resources at a rate that can be used indefinitely (forever). This includes:◦Using renewable sources of energy◦Reducing personal energy consumption - conservation

Conservation - reducing your own personal consumption of energy

Video: Alternative energy sources Learn 360