Name: ______Alternative Energy An alternative energy is any energy that is not a fossil fuel. Since fossil fuel are not renewable and release pollutants when burned, alternative energies are will become more important in the future.

Use the web sites below to answer the following:

1. Biomass http://www.need.org/Files/curriculum/infobook/BiomassI.pdf A. What is biomass?

B. How does biomass get its energy?

C. What are the four ways energy can be stored in biomass?

D. What are five types of biomass?

E. What is an environmental problem with biomass?

2. Solar http://www.need.org/Files/curriculum/infobook/SolarI.pdf

A. Explain solar energy by explaining nuclear fusion.

B. Explain how a solar collector works.

C. Explain how a passive solar home works verses an active solar home

D. Explain photovoltaics.

E. Explain solar thermal system and how they make electricity

F. What is the problem with using solar energy worldwide?

3. Wind http://www.need.org/Files/curriculum/infobook/WindI.pdf A. How do wind power plants make electricity?

B. Name the two types of wind machines and explain how they work.

C. What are two benefits of wind power over fossil fuels?

D. Why will wind power ever completely replace fossil fuels?

4. Hydropower http://www.need.org/Files/curriculum/infobook/HydroI.pdf A. Explain how hydro power works

B. How old is hydropower?

C. What are the three parts of a hydropower station

D. What are two benefits of hydropower over fossil fuels? 5. Geothermal http://www.need.org/Files/curriculum/infobook/GeothermalI.pdf

A. What is geothermal energy and how can we get it from the earth

B. Is geothermal energy a renewable energy source?

C. How can geothermal energy be used to make electricity?

6. Geothermal Part II http://www.kqed.org/quest/television/geothermal-heats-up2

1) What is the Pacific Ring of Fire?

2) What is geothermal energy? Does it produce much energy in California?

3) How do we find geothermal sites?

4) Where is the world’s largest producer of geothermal electricity?

5) How deep is a typical well?

6) What are some limitations to producing geothermal energy?

7) Can geothermal energy run out of a reservoir? Has this happened? 7. Nuclear fission (Uranium) http://www.need.org/Files/curriculum/infobook/UraniumI.pdf A. What was the first use of nuclear energy before electricity?

B. Explain a fission reaction.

C. Explain how a nuclear power plant gets energy.

D. Explain what radiation is and why it is dangerous?

7. Define the following words using a reliable source. (dictionary, books up front on the cart, a reputable internet source). Give at least 3 examples of each.

Natural Resource:

Nonrenewable Resource:

Renewable Resource:

Fossil Fuel:

Alternative Energy: