Renewable Resources

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Renewable Resources Noun

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[ri-noo-uh-buhl ree-sor-siz]

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Renewable Resources

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Natural resources that can be replaced in a relatively short period of time or are virtually limitless in supply.

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Example: This image shows examples of renewable energy resources, like wind, solar, and water, which are naturally replenished and will not run out.

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Solar Energy Noun

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[soh-ler en-er-jee]

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Solar Energy

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Electromagnetic energy that comes from the sun and can be used for heating or producing electricity in solar cells.

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Example: This diagram shows energy, represented by wavy lines with arrows, traveling from the Sun to the Earth, illustrating the basic principle of solar energy.

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Hydropower Noun

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[hahy-droh-pou-er]

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Hydropower

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Energy generated from the mechanical energy of rapidly flowing water turning a turbine; also known as hydroelectric power.

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Example: This diagram shows how a hydroelectric dam works. Water from a reservoir flows through a penstock, spinning a turbine that powers a generator to create electricity.

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Biomass Energy Noun

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[bahy-oh-mas en-er-jee]

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Biomass Energy

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The stored chemical energy in organic matter or wastes, such as wood, crops, and animal waste, which can be burned.

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Example: This diagram shows that biomass is organic material from many sources, such as forestry, crops, and different types of waste, which can be used to generate energy.

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Geothermal Energy Noun

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[jee-oh-thur-muhl en-er-jee]

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Geothermal Energy

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Thermal energy from below Earth's surface, obtained from the heat produced in the planet's interior by radioactive decay.

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Example: This diagram shows a geothermal power plant using Earth's heat. Hot water from underground creates steam, which spins a turbine to generate electricity.

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Wind Turbine Noun

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[wind tur-bahyn]

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Wind Turbine

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A device that uses blades to convert the mechanical energy of wind into electricity by turning an electric generator.

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Example: This diagram shows the main parts of a wind turbine, including the blades that catch the wind and the internal generator that converts motion into electricity.

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Solar Cell Noun

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[soh-ler sel]

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Solar Cell

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An electronic device that directly converts the energy of light, specifically solar energy, into electricity through the photovoltaic effect.

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Example: This diagram shows how a solar cell converts sunlight into electricity. A magnified view reveals how positive and negative silicon layers create an electrical current to power a light bulb.

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Biofuel Noun

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[bahy-oh-fyoo-uhl]

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Biofuel

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A type of fuel, such as ethanol or biodiesel, that is derived directly from living matter or biomass.

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Example: Biofuel is a renewable fuel made by breaking down and processing biomass, which includes organic materials like corn, grass, and other plants.

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Sustainable Resource Noun

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[suh-stey-nuh-buhl ree-sors]

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Sustainable Resource

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A resource used in a way that meets present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs.

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Example: This diagram shows five types of renewable energy sources, which are examples of sustainable resources because they are naturally replenished and not used up.

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Resource Depletion Noun

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[ree-sors di-plee-shuhn]

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Resource Depletion

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The condition where the consumption of a natural resource occurs faster than it can be replenished by natural processes.

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Example: This image shows the Earth as a container with a limited supply of a resource (water), which is being drained, illustrating how resource depletion occurs.