All Flashcards
Describe the process of coal formation.
Decomposed plant matter builds up over millions of years, transforming into coal under pressure and heat.
Describe the process of oil formation.
Heat and pressure act on aquatic organisms over millions of years, transforming them into oil.
Describe the process of natural gas formation.
Organic matter is trapped under sedimentary layers and transforms into natural gas, mostly methane.
Outline the steps of hydraulic fracturing.
Drill into rock, inject fluid (water, sand, chemicals), create fractures, release trapped oil and gas.
Describe complete combustion.
Fuel + Oxygen -> Heat + Light + Water Vapor (ideal scenario).
Describe incomplete combustion.
Fuel + Oxygen -> Heat + Light + Carbon Monoxide + Soot (produces pollutants).
Why are fossil fuels considered non-renewable?
They take millions of years to form, making replenishment impossible on a human timescale.
Explain the process of combustion.
Fuel reacts with oxygen, releasing heat, light, and chemical byproducts.
What is incomplete combustion?
Combustion that produces pollutants like carbon monoxide (CO) and soot.
What are the main risks of fracking?
Groundwater contamination, increased earthquake risk, methane leaks, and habitat disruption.
Why is methane a concern?
It is a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change.
What is the role of SO2 and NOx in acid rain?
They react with water in the atmosphere to form sulfuric and nitric acids.
What is the impact of oil spills?
Devastating to marine life and ecosystems.
Why is resource depletion a concern with fossil fuels?
Fossil fuels are non-renewable, and consumption outpaces replenishment.
Why is natural gas considered cleaner than coal?
It releases fewer pollutants when burned, though it still emits greenhouse gases.
What is the significance of greenhouse gases?
They trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to global warming and climate change.
What are fossil fuels?
Non-renewable energy sources from ancient organisms.
Define non-renewable.
Resources that take millions of years to form.
What is coal?
Fossil fuel formed from ancient plant matter.
What is oil (petroleum)?
Fossil fuel formed from ancient aquatic organisms.
What is natural gas?
Fossil fuel mostly methane (CH4), formed from ancient organic matter.
Define combustion.
Chemical reaction releasing energy (Fuel + Oxygen → Heat + Light + Chemicals).
What is hydraulic fracturing (fracking)?
Drilling and injecting fluid to fracture rock and release oil/gas.
Define air pollution.
Contamination of the atmosphere with harmful substances.
What is acid rain?
Rainwater polluted by sulfuric and nitric acids.
Define climate change.
Long-term shifts in temperature and weather patterns.