Difference between revisions of "AY Honors/Renewable Energy/Answer Key"
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Most renewable forms of energy, other than geothermal and [[tidal power]], ultimately come from the [[Sun]]. Some forms are stored solar energy such as [[rain]]fall and wind power which are considered short-term solar-energy storage, whereas the energy in biomass is accumulated over a period of months, as in [[straw]], or through many years as in [[wood]]. Capturing renewable energy by plants, animals and humans does not permanently deplete the resource. [[Fossil fuel]]s, while theoretically renewable on a very long time-scale, are exploited at rates that may deplete these resources in the near future (see: [[Hubbert peak]]). | Most renewable forms of energy, other than geothermal and [[tidal power]], ultimately come from the [[Sun]]. Some forms are stored solar energy such as [[rain]]fall and wind power which are considered short-term solar-energy storage, whereas the energy in biomass is accumulated over a period of months, as in [[straw]], or through many years as in [[wood]]. Capturing renewable energy by plants, animals and humans does not permanently deplete the resource. [[Fossil fuel]]s, while theoretically renewable on a very long time-scale, are exploited at rates that may deplete these resources in the near future (see: [[Hubbert peak]]). | ||
− | Renewable energy resources may be used directly, or used to create other more convenient forms of energy. Examples of direct use are [[solar oven]]s, geothermal heating, and [[watermill|water-]] and [[windmill]]s. Examples of indirect use which require [[energy harvesting]] are [[electricity generation]] through [[wind turbine]]s or [[photovoltaic]] cells, or production of fuels such as ethanol from biomass (see [[alcohol as a fuel]] | + | Renewable energy resources may be used directly, or used to create other more convenient forms of energy. Examples of direct use are [[solar oven]]s, geothermal heating, and [[watermill|water-]] and [[windmill]]s. Examples of indirect use which require [[energy harvesting]] are [[electricity generation]] through [[wind turbine]]s or [[photovoltaic]] cells, or production of fuels such as ethanol from biomass (see [[alcohol as a fuel]]). |
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Revision as of 14:08, 22 September 2005
Renewable energy (sources) or RES capture their energy from existing flows of energy, from on-going natural processes, such as sunshine, wind, flowing water, biological processes, and geothermal heat flows.
Most renewable forms of energy, other than geothermal and tidal power, ultimately come from the Sun. Some forms are stored solar energy such as rainfall and wind power which are considered short-term solar-energy storage, whereas the energy in biomass is accumulated over a period of months, as in straw, or through many years as in wood. Capturing renewable energy by plants, animals and humans does not permanently deplete the resource. Fossil fuels, while theoretically renewable on a very long time-scale, are exploited at rates that may deplete these resources in the near future (see: Hubbert peak).
Renewable energy resources may be used directly, or used to create other more convenient forms of energy. Examples of direct use are solar ovens, geothermal heating, and water- and windmills. Examples of indirect use which require energy harvesting are electricity generation through wind turbines or photovoltaic cells, or production of fuels such as ethanol from biomass (see alcohol as a fuel).
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