Wind Solar Power

U2L6: Energy from Renewable Resources

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Renewable Resources

• A renewable resource is a material that is replaced quickly in nature. Some examples are water, wind, sunlight, plants, and animals.

• An alternative energy source is a source of energy other than burning of a fossil fuel. Plants, animals, sunlight, geothermal energy, moving water, and wind are examples of alternative energy source.

• California was ranked first in 2015 as a producer of electricity from biomass, solar energy, and geothermal energy.

What is Biomass?

• Wood, crops, and animal waste are part of what we know as biomass.

• Burning biomass transforms the stored energy into thermal energy, gas, or fuel.

• A type of fuel made from biomass, or living or formerly living material, is called biofuel.

Solar Energy

• Energy that comes from the Sun is called solar energy.

• Solar energy heats water and land.

• Solar power is power obtained from solar energy to generate electricity using solar cells.

Geothermal Energy

• Energy obtained from Earth's interior (inside) is called geothermal energy.

• In some places, water that lies deep inside Earth is heated. This hot water is used to do work or produce electricity.

• Some examples are hot springs and geysers.

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Hydropower

• Hydropower is energy that comes from moving water.

• Moving water is a valuable source of energy because it is readily available, plentiful, and easy to find.

• Hydropower is one of the older types of energy harnessed by humans.

Hydroelectricity

• In the late 1800's, people used moving water to generate electricity.

• Electricity produced by waterpower is called hydroelectricity. This type of electricity is obtained from rivers, tides, and ocean waves.

• Hydroelectricity comes from power plants.

Wind Energy

• Wind is formed as the Sun heats Earth unevenly and as warm air rises and cooler air sinks.

• Windmills called wind turbines change wind's kinetic energy into electric energy.

• As the wind moves the blades, the generator converts the power of the wind to electricity.

Multiple Choice

A type of fuel made from biomass is called?

• biofuel

• fuel

• coal

• gas

Multiple Choice

what is power obtained from solar energy to generate electricity using solar cells is called?

• sun energy

• heat

• solar power

• UV rays

Fill in the Blank

What is electricity produced by waterpower is called?

Multiple Choice

What changes wind's kinetic energy into electric energy?**

• wind wheels

• hydro mills

• Wind turbines

Multiple Choice

Energy obtained from Earth's interior (inside) is called _______?

• heat

• geothermal energy

• solar energy

• biomass

Fill in the Blank

Give one example of a renewable resource.