GR 7 & 8 SCIENCE REVIEW: ENERGY

This packet is a general review of concepts from Grade 7 & 8 Science:

Energy. In this packet, you’ll find:
A) GR 7 & GR 8 Science Review: Energy. Included is text related to the
concept, questions to explore and links for further enrichment.

B) Need some science help 24/7? Click on this link to Khan Academy.
Search by topic to see examples done on video. For example,
students could search “molecules” or “chemical equations” or “life
cycle” No sign in is required. These videos can be found at:
https://www.khanacademy.org/

C) Contact your science teacher directly via e‐mail or Schoology for

questions, help & support. Reach out to your teachers!
 GR 7 & 8 SCIENCE REVIEW: ENERGY

Puyallup School District Virtual Learning Resources

Virtual Learning Opportunities – Puyallup Teachers will communicate
lessons and activity resources through your child’s Schoology Course or
Group. Your child’s teacher is ready to support your student through
virtual learning!
Clever‐ a platform that makes it easier for schools to use many popular
educational technology products. Essentially, it is a “bookmark” bar for
the educational system‐ curriculum, support, and accessible links are
housed in one location. You can access through PSD Favorites folder in
the internet browser on a district issued device.

Schoology‐ The Puyallup School District platform teachers use to

communicate, send course updates, collect assignments and
assessments, host Schoology conferences (audio and video) and is the
electronic gradebook.
Grades 6-8 Science Energy
Review

CK-12
Jean Brainard, Ph.D.

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CK-12
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iii
Contents www.ck12.org

Contents

1 Introduction to Energy 1
1.1 Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.2 Forms of Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.3 Energy Conversion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
1.4 Nonrenewable Energy Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
1.5 Renewable Energy Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
1.6 Energy Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
1.7 Energy Conservation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
1.8 References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

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www.ck12.org Chapter 1. Introduction to Energy

C HAPTER
1 Introduction to Energy
Chapter Outline
1.1 E NERGY
1.2 F ORMS OF E NERGY
1.3 E NERGY C ONVERSION
1.4 N ONRENEWABLE E NERGY R ESOURCES
1.5 R ENEWABLE E NERGY R ESOURCES
1.6 E NERGY U SE
1.7 E NERGY C ONSERVATION
1.8 R EFERENCES

Introduction

The surfer in this photo is dwarfed by the immense wave he’s riding, yet he’s managing to use the incredible energy
of the wave for a thrilling ride. Ocean waves like this one carry a huge amount of energy. Do you know what
energy is? Can you identify other forms of energy besides ocean waves? In this unit, you’ll learn a lot about energy,
including how it makes modern life possible—even if you never ride a surfboard!

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1.1. Energy www.ck12.org

1.1 Energy

Learning Objectives

• Define energy.
• Give the SI unit for energy.
• Identify different forms of energy.

These young children are very active. They seem to be brimming with energy. You probably know that lots of things
have energy—from batteries to the sun. But do you know what energy is? Read on to find out.

Defining Energy

Energy is defined in science as the ability to move matter or change matter in some other way. Energy can also be
defined as the ability to do work, which means using force to move an object over a distance. When work is done,
energy is transferred from one object to another. For example, when the boy in the Figure 1.1 uses force to swing
the racket, he transfers some of his energy to the racket.
Q: It takes energy to play tennis. Where does this boy get his energy?
A: He gets energy from the food he eats.

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www.ck12.org Chapter 1. Introduction to Energy

FIGURE 1.1

SI Unit for Energy

Because energy is the ability to do work, it is expressed in the same unit that is used for work. The SI unit for both
work and energy is the joule (J), or Newton • meter (N • m). One joule is the amount of energy needed to apply a
force of 1 Newton over a distance of 1 meter. For example, suppose the boy in the Figure 1.1 applies 20 Newtons
of force to his tennis racket over a distance of 1 meter. The energy needed to do this work is 20 N •m, or 20 J.

Energy Has Many Forms

If you think about different sources of energy—such as batteries and the sun—you probably realize that energy can
take different forms. For example, when the boy swings his tennis racket, the energy of the moving racket is an
example of mechanical energy. To move his racket, the boy needs energy stored in food, which is an example of
chemical energy. Other forms of energy include electrical, thermal, light, and sound energy. The different forms of
energy can also be classified as either kinetic energy or potential energy. Kinetic energy is the energy of moving
matter. Potential energy is energy that is stored in matter.
Q: Is the chemical energy in food kinetic energy or potential energy?
A: The chemical energy in food is potential energy. It is stored in the chemical bonds that make up food molecules.
The stored energy is released when we digest food. Then we can use it for many purposes, such as moving
(mechanical energy) or staying warm (thermal energy).
Q: What is an example of kinetic energy?
A: Anything that is moving has kinetic energy. An example is a moving tennis racket.

MEDIA
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Summary

• Energy is defined in science as the ability to move matter or change matter in some other way. Energy can
also be defined as the ability to do work.
• The SI unit for energy as well as work is the joule (J), or Newton • meter (N • m).
• Energy exists in different forms, such as mechanical energy and chemical energy. Most forms of energy can
also be classified as either kinetic energy or potential energy.

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1.1. Energy www.ck12.org

Review

1. How is energy defined in science?

2. What is the SI unit for energy?
3. Name two forms that energy may take.
4. Which type of energy is the energy of a moving tennis ball? Is it kinetic energy or potential energy?

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www.ck12.org Chapter 1. Introduction to Energy

1.2 Forms of Energy

Learning Objectives

• Identify and describe different forms of energy.

This musician’s electric guitar wails at a concert, as colored lights wash over the band. It’s hot on stage because of
the lights, but they really add to the show. The fans are thrilled and screaming with excitement. The exciting concert
wouldn’t be possible without several different forms of energy. Do you know what they are?

Introducing Forms of Energy

Energy, or the ability to cause changes in matter, can exist in many different forms. Energy can also change from
one form to another. The photo above of the guitar player represents six forms of energy: mechanical, chemical,
electrical, light, thermal, and sound energy. Another form of energy is nuclear energy.
Q: Can you find the six different forms of energy in the photo of the guitar player (See opening image)?
A: The guitarist uses mechanical energy to pluck the strings of the guitar. He gets the energy he needs to perform
from chemical energy in food he ate earlier in the day. The stage lights use electrical energy, which they change
to light energy and thermal energy (commonly called heat). The guitar produces sound energy when the guitarist
plucks the strings.

Seven Forms of Energy

The different forms of energy are defined and illustrated below.

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1.2. Forms of Energy www.ck12.org

1. Mechanical energy is the energy of movement. It is found in objects that are moving or have the potential to
move.

FIGURE 1.2
This drummer has mechanical energy as
he moves the drumsticks to hit the drums
and cymbals. The moving drumsticks
also have mechanical energy, but they
would have mechanical energy even if
they weren’t moving. That’s because they
have the potential to fall when the drum-
mer is holding them above the floor. This
potential energy is due to gravity.

2. Chemical energy is energy that is stored in the bonds between the atoms of compounds. If the bonds are broken,
the energy is released and can be converted to other forms of energy.

FIGURE 1.3
This portable guitar amplifier can run on
batteries. Batteries store chemical energy
and change it to electrical energy.

3. Electrical energy is the energy of moving electrons. Electrons flow through wires to create electric current.
4. Electromagnetic energy is energy that travels through space as electrical and magnetic waves. The light flooding
the stage in the Figure 1.4 is one type of electromagnetic energy. Other types include radio waves, microwaves, X
rays, and gamma rays.
5. Thermal energy is the energy of moving atoms of matter. All matter has thermal energy because atoms of all
matter are constantly moving. An object with more mass has greater thermal energy than an object with less mass
because it has more atoms.
6. Sound energy is a form of mechanical energy that starts with a vibration in matter. For example, the singer’s voice
starts with vibrations of his vocal cords, which are folds of tissue in his throat. The vibrations pass to surrounding
particles of matter and then from one particle to another in waves. Sound waves can travel through air, water, and
other substances, but not through empty space.
7. Nuclear energy is energy that is stored in the nuclei of atoms because of the strong forces that hold the nucleus
together. The energy can be released in nuclear power plants by splitting nuclei apart. It is also released when
unstable (radioactive) nuclei break down, or decay.
Q: The fans at a rock concert also produce or use several forms of energy. What are they?

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www.ck12.org Chapter 1. Introduction to Energy

FIGURE 1.4
The bright lights on this stage use elec-
trical energy. They are wired into the
electrical system of the of the hall. The
guitars and microphone also use electri-
cal energy. You can see the electrical
cords running from them to the outlet on
the floor below the musicians.

FIGURE 1.5
Why is this jogger sweating so much? His
shirt is soaking up his sweat because he
has so much thermal energy. The jogger
is hot because of the heat from the sun
and the hard work he puts into his run.

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1.2. Forms of Energy www.ck12.org

A: The fans see the concert because of electromagnetic energy (light) that enters their eyes from the well-lit
musicians on stage. They hear the music because of the sound energy that reaches their ears from the amplifiers.
They use mechanical energy when they clap their hands and jump from their seats in excitement. Their bodies
generate thermal energy, using the chemical energy stored in food they have eaten.

MEDIA
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Summary

• Energy, or the ability to cause changes in matter, can exist in many different forms. Energy can also change
from one form to another.
• Forms of energy include mechanical, chemical, electrical, electromagnetic, thermal, sound, and nuclear en-
ergy.

Review

1. Make a table of forms of energy. In your table, list and define five of the forms of energy described in this
article. Include an example of each form.
2. Identify three different forms of energy represented by the Figure 1.6.

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www.ck12.org Chapter 1. Introduction to Energy

FIGURE 1.6

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1.3. Energy Conversion www.ck12.org

1.3 Energy Conversion

Learning Objectives

• Define energy conversion.

• Give examples of energy changing from one form to another.
• Describe energy changes between kinetic and potential energy.

Sari and Daniel are spending a stormy Saturday afternoon with cartons of hot popcorn and a spellbinding movie.
They are obviously too focused on the movie to wonder where all the energy comes from to power their weekend
entertainment. They’ll give it some thought halfway through the movie when the storm causes the power to go out!

Changing Energy

Watching movies, eating hot popcorn, and many other activities depend on electrical energy. Most electrical energy
comes from the burning of fossil fuels, which contain stored chemical energy. When fossil fuels are burned, the
chemical energy changes to thermal energy and the thermal energy is then used to generate electrical energy. These
are all examples of energy conversion. Energy conversion is the process in which one kind of energy changes into
another kind. When energy changes in this way, the energy isn’t used up or lost. The same amount of energy exists
after the conversion as before. Energy conversion obeys the law of conservation of energy, which states that energy
cannot be created or destroyed.

How Energy Changes Form

Besides electrical, chemical, and thermal energy, some other forms of energy include mechanical and sound energy.
Any of these forms of energy can change into any other form. Often, one form of energy changes into two or more

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www.ck12.org Chapter 1. Introduction to Energy

different forms. For example, the popcorn machine below changes electrical energy to thermal energy. The thermal
energy, in turn, changes to both mechanical energy and sound energy. You can read the Figure 1.7 how these changes
happen.

FIGURE 1.7
1. The popcorn machine changes elec-
trical to thermal energy, which heats the
popcorn. 2. The heat causes the popcorn
to pop. You can see that the popping
corn has mechanical energy (energy of
movement). It overflows the pot and falls
into the pile of popcorn at the bottom of
the machine. 3. The popping corn also
has energy. That’s why it makes popping
sounds.

Kinetic-Potential Energy Changes

Mechanical energy commonly changes between kinetic and potential energy. Kinetic energy is the energy of moving
objects. Potential energy is energy that is stored in objects, typically because of their position or shape. Kinetic
energy can be used to change the position or shape of an object, giving it potential energy. Potential energy gives the
object the potential to move. If it does, the potential energy changes back to kinetic energy.
That’s what happened to Sari. After she and Daniel left the theater, the storm cleared and they went for a swim.
That’s Sari in the Figure 1.8 coming down the water slide. When she was at the top of the slide, she had potential
energy. Why? She had the potential to slide into the water because of the pull of gravity. As she moved down the
slide, her potential energy changed to kinetic energy. By the time she reached the water, all the potential energy had
changed to kinetic energy.
Q: How could Sari regain her potential energy?

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1.3. Energy Conversion www.ck12.org

FIGURE 1.8

A: Sari could climb up the steps to the top of the slide. It takes kinetic energy to climb the steps, and this energy
would be stored in Sari as she climbed. By the time she got to the top of the slide, she would have the same amount
of potential energy as before.
Q: Can you think of other fun examples of energy changing between kinetic and potential energy?
A: Playground equipment such as swings, slides, and trampolines involve these changes.

MEDIA
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Summary

• Energy conversion is the process in which energy changes from one form or type to another. Energy is always
conserved in energy conversions.
• Different forms of energy—such as electrical, chemical, and thermal energy—often change to other forms of
energy.
• Mechanical energy commonly changes back and forth between kinetic and potential energy.

Review

1. Define energy conversion.

2. Relate energy conversion to the law of conservation of energy.
3. Describe an original example of energy changing from one form to two other forms.
4. Explain how energy changes back and forth between kinetic and potential energy when you jump on a
trampoline. Include a sketch to help explain the energy conversions.

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www.ck12.org Chapter 1. Introduction to Energy

1.4 Nonrenewable Energy Resources

Learning Objectives

• Define nonrenewable resource.

• Identify nonrenewable energy resources.
• State drawbacks of using nonrenewable energy resources.

It may look beautiful, but this oil slick threatens the environment and living things. Unfortunately, oil spills are
common because we rely heavily on oil as an energy resource. Oil is an example of a nonrenewable resource.

What Are Nonrenewable Resources?

Nonrenewable resources are natural resources that are limited in supply and cannot be replaced as quickly as they
are used up. A natural resource is anything people can use that comes from nature. Energy resources are some of the
most important natural resources because everything we do requires energy. Nonrenewable energy resources include
fossil fuels such as oil and the radioactive element uranium.

Types of Fossil Fuels

Oil, or petroleum, is one of several fossil fuels. Fossil fuels are mixtures of hydrocarbons (compounds containing
only hydrogen and carbon) that formed over millions of years from the remains of dead organisms. In addition to
oil, they include coal and natural gas. Fossil fuels provide most of the energy used in the world today. They are
burned in power plants to produce electrical energy, and they also fuel cars, heat homes, and supply energy for many
other purposes. You can see some ways they are used in the Figure 1.9.
Q: Why do fossil fuels have energy?

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1.4. Nonrenewable Energy Resources www.ck12.org

FIGURE 1.9

A: Fossil fuels contain stored chemical energy that came originally from the sun.

How Fossil Fuels Formed

When ancient plants underwent photosynthesis, they changed energy in sunlight to stored chemical energy in food.
The plants used the food and so did the organisms that ate the plants. After the plants and other organisms died, their
remains gradually changed to fossil fuels as they were covered and compressed by layers of sediments. Petroleum
and natural gas formed from ocean organisms and are found together. Coal formed from giant tree ferns and other
swamp plants.

Fossil Fuels and the Environment

When fossil fuels burn, they release thermal energy, water vapor, and carbon dioxide. The thermal energy can be
used to generate electricity or do other work. The carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere and is a major
cause of global climate change. The burning of fossil fuels also releases many pollutants into the air. Pollutants
such as sulfur dioxide form acid rain, which kills living things and damages metals, stonework, and other materials.
Pollutants such as nitrogen oxides cause smog, which is harmful to human health. Tiny particles, or particulates,
released when fossil fuels burn also harm human health.
The Figure 1.10 shows the amounts of pollutants released by different fossil fuels. Natural gas releases the least
pollution; coal releases the most. Petroleum has the additional risk of oil spills, which may seriously damage
ecosystems.
Q: Some newer models of cars and other motor vehicles can run on natural gas. Why would a natural gas vehicle be
better for the environment than a vehicle that burns gasoline, which is made from oil?
A: Natural gas produces much less pollution and carbon dioxide when it burns than gasoline does. So a natural gas
vehicle would contribute less to global climate change, acid rain, and air pollution that harms health. Besides being
better for the environment, burning natural gas instead of gasoline results in less engine wear and provides more
energy for a given amount of fuel.

Nuclear Energy

Like fossil fuels, the radioactive element uranium can be used to generate electrical energy in power plants. This
source of energy is known as nuclear energy. In a nuclear power plant, the nuclei of uranium atoms are split apart
into smaller nuclei in the process of nuclear fission. This process releases a tremendous amount of energy from
just a small amount of uranium. The total supply of uranium in the world is quite limited, however, and cannot be
replaced once it is used up. That’s why nuclear energy is a nonrenewable resource. The use of nuclear energy also

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www.ck12.org Chapter 1. Introduction to Energy

FIGURE 1.10

produces dangerous radioactive wastes. In addition, accidents at nuclear power plants have the potential to release
large amounts of harmful radiation into the environment.
Q: Why is nuclear energy often considered to be “greener” than energy from fossil fuels?
A: Unlike energy from fossil fuels, nuclear energy doesn’t produce air pollution or carbon dioxide that contributes
to global climate change.

MEDIA
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Summary

• Nonrenewable resources are natural resources that are limited in supply and cannot be replaced as quickly as
they are used up. Nonrenewable energy resources include fossil fuels and uranium.
• Fossil fuels—including oil, natural gas, and coal—provide most of the energy used in the world today. Burning
fossil fuels produces air pollution as well as carbon dioxide that causes global climate change.
• Nuclear energy is produced by splitting the nuclei of radioactive uranium. This doesn’t release air pollution
or carbon dioxide, but it does produce dangerous radioactive wastes.

Review

1. Define natural resource. What are nonrenewable natural resources?

2. List four commonly used nonrenewable energy resources.
3. Explain how fossil fuels formed.
4. Compare and contrast the three types of fossil fuels in terms of the pollution they produce.

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5. Present the pros and cons of nuclear energy use.

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www.ck12.org Chapter 1. Introduction to Energy

1.5 Renewable Energy Resources

Learning Objectives

• Define renewable resource.

• Describe several renewable energy resources.

Acre upon acre of wind turbines stretch over the landscape in this photo. The blades of the turbines spin in the wind
like giant pinwheels. The energy of the moving blades is used to generate useful electrical energy. Wind is one of
several renewable energy resources.
Q: What are some other renewable energy resources?
A: You can read about the major renewable energy resources in this article. But here’s a hint in advance. Renewable
energy resources include mechanical, electromagnetic, chemical, and thermal forms of energy.

What Are Renewable Resources?

Renewable resources are natural resources that can be replaced in a relatively short period of time or are virtually
limitless in supply. In addition to wind, renewable energy resources include sunlight, moving water, biomass,
and geothermal energy. All of these resources are freely available and won’t run out. Most of them also have
the advantage of producing little if any pollution or carbon dioxide, which contributes to global climate change.
Nonetheless, these energy resources are used far less than nonrenewable energy resources, especially fossil fuels.

Wind

Wind is moving air, so it has mechanical energy that can do work. People have been using wind for energy for
thousands of years. The old-fashioned windmill in the Figure 1.11 is one way that wind energy can be used. The
wind turbines in the opening photo above are a much newer way of using wind energy. They change the kinetic
energy of the wind to electrical energy. However, only certain areas of the world get enough steady wind to produce

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1.5. Renewable Energy Resources www.ck12.org

much electricity. Many people also think that wind turbines are noisy, dangerous to birds, and unattractive in the
landscape.

FIGURE 1.11
This old windmill uses wind energy to operate a mechanical pump that lifts
water out of a well. Windmills like this one have been used for centuries.

Q: Where does the energy of the wind come from? Why does air move in the atmosphere?
A: Wind is caused by unequal heating of the atmosphere by the sun. In other words, differences in thermal energy
cause air to move in the atmosphere.
Launch the simulation below to further explore how a wind turbine generates electric power from the wind:

MEDIA
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Sunlight

The sunlight that reaches Earth is the planet’s most important source of energy. The energy in sunlight, called solar
energy, is electromagnetic energy. This is a form of energy that travels through space in electric and magnetic waves.
Solar energy can be used to heat homes and produce electricity in solar cells like those on the roof seen in the Figure
1.12. Sunny areas receive plenty of sunlight to generate electricity, but solar energy may not be practical in areas
that are often cloudy.
Q: In addition to the roofs of homes and other buildings, where else can you find solar cells?
A: Calculators often have solar cells. Solar-powered outdoor lights are very common as well.

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www.ck12.org Chapter 1. Introduction to Energy

FIGURE 1.12
Solar panels on the roof of this family
home generate enough electricity to sup-
ply the family’s needs.

Moving Water

The mechanical energy of rapidly flowing water can turn a turbine and generate electricity. Electricity produced in
this way is called hydroelectric power. The water may flow over a waterfall or through a dam. You can see a picture
of a dam in the Figure 1.13. A drawback of dams is that they flood land upstream from the dam and reduce water
flow downstream from the dam, and this can destroy ecosystems.

FIGURE 1.13
This is Hoover dam on the Colorado River
between Arizona and Nevada. Water
flowing through the dam generates elec-
tricity for both of these states and south-
ern California.

Q: Does a hydroelectric power plant release air pollution or carbon dioxide? Why or why not.
A: No, it is doesn’t. A hydroelectric plant doesn’t burn fuel, which is what produces air pollution in power plants
that generate electricity from fossil fuels or biomass.

Biomass

The stored chemical energy in organic matter or wastes is called biomass energy. The organic matter may be trees
or other plants, or it may be wastes from homes and industries. When biomass is burned, it produces thermal energy
that can be used for heating homes, cooking, or generating electricity. Biomass—especially wood—is an important
energy source in the poorer nations where most people can’t afford fossil fuels. However, burning biomass releases
air pollution and contributes to global climate change. Biomass can be used to make ethanol, a fuel that is added to
gasoline. Although ethanol releases less pollution than gasoline, large areas of land are needed to grow the plants
needed to make it (see Figure 1.14). This reduces the amount of land available for food production.

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1.5. Renewable Energy Resources www.ck12.org

FIGURE 1.14
This large machine is harvesting and
grinding plants to make ethanol.

Geothermal Energy

Geothermal energy is thermal (“heat”) energy from below Earth’s surface. It can be used to heat homes or generate
electricity. A geothermal system pumps water underground where it is heated and then pumps the warm water back
to the home or power plant (see Figure 1.15). The thermal energy of the water can be used directly to heat the home.
Or it can be used to produce steam and generate electricity. Installing a geothermal system can be expensive because
of the need to drill through underground rocks, but the energy it uses is free.

FIGURE 1.15
This power plant uses geothermal energy.

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www.ck12.org Chapter 1. Introduction to Energy

Summary

• Renewable resources are natural resources that can be replaced in a relatively short period of time or are
virtually limitless in supply.
• Renewable energy resources include wind, sunlight, moving water, biomass, and geothermal energy. Except
for biomass, which is burned, these renewable energy resources produce little if any pollution, although each
has other drawbacks.

Review

1. What is a renewable resource?

2. List five renewable energy sources. What form of energy does each resource supply?

Explore More

Use the resource to answer the questions that follow.

MEDIA
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1. Why are renewable energy resources needed?

2. Give two examples of renewable energy resources.
3. What is one main advantage of the examples given in this video?

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1.6. Energy Use www.ck12.org

1.6 Energy Use

Learning Objectives

• Describe energy use in the U.S.

• Compare oil use in the U.S. and other top oil-using nations.

This woman in Burkina Faso uses a simple wood fire for cooking. For many people in the world, wood is their main
energy resource. They burn it to stay warm as well as to cook their food. Other energy resources, such as oil or gas,
are simply not available to them or are far too expensive for most people to use. However, if you live in the U.S.
or another of the richer nations of the world, you probably depend almost totally on these more expensive energy
resources, especially oil.

Use of Energy Resources

Look at the circle graph in the Figure 1.16. It shows that oil is the single most commonly used energy resource in
the U.S., followed by natural gas, and then by coal. All of these energy resources are nonrenewable. Nonrenewable
resources are resources that are limited in supply and cannot be replaced as quickly as they are used up. Renewable
resources, in contrast, provide only 8 percent of all energy used in the U.S. Renewable resources are natural
resources that can be replaced in a relatively short period of time or are virtually limitless in supply. They include
solar energy from sunlight, geothermal energy from under Earth’s surface, wind, biomass (from once-living things
or their wastes), and hydropower (from running water).

Oil Use by Nation

People in the U.S. use far more energy—especially energy from oil—than people in any other nation. The bar graph
in the Figure 1.17 compares the amount of oil used by the top ten oil-using nations. The U.S. uses more oil than
several other top-ten countries combined. If you also consider the population size in these countries, the differences

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www.ck12.org Chapter 1. Introduction to Energy

FIGURE 1.16

are even more stunning. The average person in the U.S. uses a whopping 23 barrels of oil a year! In comparison, the
average person in India or China uses just 1 or 2 barrels of oil a year.

FIGURE 1.17

Q: How does the use of oil and other fossil fuels relate to pollution?
A: Greater use of oil and other fossil fuels causes more pollution.

MEDIA
Click image to the left or use the URL below.
URL: http://www.ck12.org/flx/render/embeddedobject/187430

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1.6. Energy Use www.ck12.org

Summary

• Oil is the single most commonly used energy resource in the U.S., followed by natural gas, and then by coal.
These are all nonrenewable energy resources. Only 8 percent of all energy used in the U.S. comes from
renewable energy resources, such as solar, wind, and biomass energy.
• People in the U.S. use far more energy per person—especially energy from oil—than people in any other
nation.

Review

1. Outline the use of energy resources in the U.S.

2. Compare the use of oil in the U.S. with oil use in other nations.

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www.ck12.org Chapter 1. Introduction to Energy

1.7 Energy Conservation

Learning Objectives

• Define conservation.
• List ways to conserve energy in transportation.
• Give tips for conserving energy at home.

You won’t see this car on the road, at least not yet. It’s a concept car that was developed by a major automaker.
Instead of burning gasoline, it runs on hydrogen gas. Using hydrogen for fuel doesn’t produce pollution, and it
doesn’t depend on nonrenewable fossil fuels. New technologies like this car may one day help solve our energy
resource problems. But even without new technologies such as this, there are many ways we can help solve the
problems right now.

Conserving Energy

Everyone can reduce their use of energy resources and the pollution the resources cause by conserving energy.
Conservation means saving resources by using them more efficiently, using less of them, or not using them at all.
You can read below about some of the ways you can conserve energy on the road and in the home.

Conserving Energy in Transportation

Much of the energy used in the U.S. is used for transportation. You can conserve transportation energy in several
ways. For example, you can:

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1.7. Energy Conservation www.ck12.org

• plan ahead to avoid unnecessary trips.

• take public transit such as subways (see Figure 1.18) instead of driving.
• drive an energy-efficient vehicle when driving is the only way to get there.

FIGURE 1.18

Q: What are some other ways you could save energy in transportation?
A: You could carpool to save transportation energy. Even if you carpool with just one other person, that’s one less
vehicle on the road. For short trips, you could ride a bike or walk to you destination. The extra exercise is another
benefit of using your own muscle power to get where you need to go.

Conserving Energy at Home

Many people waste energy at home, so a lot of energy can be saved there as well. What can you do to conserve
energy? You can:

• turn off lights and unplug appliances and other electrical devices when not in use.
• use energy-efficient light bulbs and appliances.
• turn the thermostat down in winter and up in summer.

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www.ck12.org Chapter 1. Introduction to Energy

FIGURE 1.19

Q: How can you tell which light bulbs and appliances use less energy?
A: One way is to look for this ENERGY STAR® logo (Figure 1.20).

FIGURE 1.20

Watch the video below to learn more about energy conservation:

MEDIA
Click image to the left or use the URL below.
URL: http://www.ck12.org/flx/render/embeddedobject/246394

Summary

• Conservation means saving resources by using them more efficiently, using less of them, or not using them at
all.
• Everyone can reduce their use of energy resources and the pollution the resources cause by taking steps to
conserve energy.
• There are several simple ways to conserve energy in transportation and at home.

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1.7. Energy Conservation www.ck12.org

Review

1. What is energy conservation?

2. Describe one practical way that you could save transportation energy in your own life.
3. Draw a sketch of a house in which energy is being wasted. Then explain how energy could be conserved
instead.

Summary

This unit introduces energy and energy resources. Different forms of energy—including thermal and sound en-
ergy—are described. The unit also explains how energy travels in waves, how light energy behaves, and how we use
light to see. Electricity and magnetism, and the relationship between them, are explored as well.

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www.ck12.org Chapter 1. Introduction to Energy

1.8 References

1. Courtesy of U.S. EPA and U.S. DOE;Swing: Flickr:wsilver; Trampoline: Flickr:London looks;Image copy-
right Poznyakov, 2014. http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=globalwarming.showIdentifiers;Swi
ng: http://www.flickr.com/photos/psycho-pics/2722836221/; Trampoline: http://www.flickr.com/photos/londo
nlooks/6204272401/;http://www.shutterstock.com . used under license from shutterstock.com;Public Do-
main;CC BY 2.0;Used under license from Shutterstock.com
2. Courtesy of U.S. EPA and U.S. DOE;Swing: Flickr:wsilver; Trampoline: Flickr:London looks;Image copy-
right Poznyakov, 2014;Image copyright nikkytok, 2014;Image copyright Jackie Smithson, 2014;Laura Guerin.
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=globalwarming.showIdentifiers;Swing: http://www.flickr.co
m/photos/psycho-pics/2722836221/; Trampoline: http://www.flickr.com/photos/londonlooks/6204272401/;h
ttp://www.shutterstock.com;CK-12 Foundation . used under license from shutterstock.com;Public Domain;CC
BY 2.0;Used under license from Shutterstock.com;CC BY-NC 3.0
3. Image copyright Jackie Smithson, 2014;Michelle Henry: Green Earth Project;Image copyright tobkatrina,
2014;Image copyright Poznyakov, 2014. http://www.shutterstock.com;http://www.michellehenry.fr/energy.h
tm . Amplifier: CC BY 2.0; Battery: Public Domain;Used under license from Shutterstock.com
4. Damir Z (Flickr: sidonath);Image copyright Poznyakov, 2014. http://www.flickr.com/photos/sidonath/835843
4407/;http://www.shutterstock.com . CC BY 2.0;Used under license from Shutterstock.com
5. Amplifier: Tim Walker; Battery: Emilian Robert Vicol;Image copyright Poznyakov, 2014. Amplifier: http:
//www.flickr.com/photos/30139045@N00/2137222381; Battery: http://www.flickr.com/photos/28958738@
N06/7539143464;http://www.shutterstock.com . Amplifier: CC BY 2.0; Battery: Public Domain;Used under
license from Shutterstock.com
6. Image copyright dwphotos, 2014;Image copyright Poznyakov, 2014;Image copyright tobkatrina, 2014. http
://www.shutterstock.com . Used under license from Shutterstock.com
7. Image copyright Jackie Smithson, 2014;Image copyright Poznyakov, 2014. http://www.shutterstock.com .
Used under license from Shutterstock.com
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9. Image copyright Poznyakov, 2014. http://www.shutterstock.com . Used under license from Shutterstock.com
10. Frédéric BISSON;Image copyright Jackie Smithson, 2014. http://www.flickr.com/photos/38712296@N07/79
28121514;http://www.shutterstock.com . CC BY 2.0;Used under license from Shutterstock.com
11. Image copyright Poznyakov, 2014;Neeta Lind;CK-12 Foundation. http://www.shutterstock.com . Used under
license from Shutterstock.com;CC BY 2.0
12. Christopher Auyeung. CK-12 Foundation . CC BY-NC 3.0
13. Left: Paul Kretek (Flickr: pa*kr); Center: Edison; Right: Kid Clutch (Flickr: Graf Spee);Hans Pama. Left:htt
p://www.flickr.com/photos/limemonkey/486575859/; Center: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:CAN-
ON-PetroCanada-7314MarkhamRd-FuelPump11b-2005Jun12.JPG; Right: http://www.flickr.com/photos/3090
1506@N06/7912828370/;http://www.flickr.com/photos/hanspama/3944624501/ . Left: CC BY 2.0; Center:
Public Domain; Right: CC BY 2.0;CC BY 2.0
14. Christopher Auyeung;Hans Pama. CK-12 Foundation;http://www.flickr.com/photos/hanspama/3944624501/
. CC BY-NC 3.0;CC BY 2.0
15. Hans Pama;By Yovko Lambrev (http://simplevisions.org/index.php?showimage=51) [CC BY 3.0 (http://creativecommons.o
via Wikimedia Commons. http://www.flickr.com/photos/hanspama/3944624501/ . CC BY-NC
16. Boyd Norton;Hans Pama. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:WINDMILL_AT_A_HOME_NEAR_A
LBUQUERQUE,_NEW_MEXICO,_IS_USED_TO_PUMP_WATER_FOR_DOMESTIC_USE._FUTURE_-
PLANS_INCLUDE_THE_USE..._-_NARA_-_555291.tif;http://www.flickr.com/photos/hanspama/3944624501
/ . Public Domain;CC BY 2.0
17. Mike Spasoff;Hans Pama. http://www.flickr.com/photos/clownfish/278588185/;http://www.flickr.com/phot

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1.8. References www.ck12.org

os/hanspama/3944624501/ . CC BY 2.0
18. L. Richard Martin Jr.;Hans Pama. http://www.flickr.com/photos/bevrichardmartin/7104892139/;http://www
.flickr.com/photos/hanspama/3944624501/ . CC BY 2.0
19. Dan Davison (Flickr: Mostly Dans);Hans Pama. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:John_Deere_co
mbine_and_tractor_at_work.jpg;http://www.flickr.com/photos/hanspama/3944624501/ . CC BY 2.0
20. ThinkGeoEnergy;Hans Pama. http://www.flickr.com/photos/thinkgeoenergy/4474006724/;http://www.flickr.co
m/photos/hanspama/3944624501/ . CC BY 2.0
21. Christopher Auyeung. CK-12 Foundation . CC BY-NC 3.0
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wable_home-basics . Public Domain
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24. . . CC BY-NC
25. Cem K. (iyiinsan) and Doğa. http://www.flickr.com/photos/iyiinsan/2946201779/ . CC BY 2.0
26. Image copyright Steve Cukrov, 2014. http://www.shutterstock.com . Used under license from Shutter-
stock.com
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ar_logo.svg . Public Domain

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