Glossary: Energy

Biomass energy

It is organic matter contained by living beings. It is obtained from vegetal products and derivatives. It is burnt to produce warmth, electricity or to get fuels.

Coal

It is black solid rock. It is a big vegetal mass fossilized into the Earth. It is used as industrial combustible and to generate electricity in thermal plants.

Electrical energy

It is due to electrons movement in a conductive material. It is totally necessary for us. We use it every day, for example, to have light, on computers, to charge our mobile phone and so on. It is one of the most important energies.

Energy sources

Human beings use them to generate energy

Energy types

We can find different forms of energy in the nature.

Geothermal energy

It is due to intern warmth of the Earth. We can harness it using geothermal plants. It lets us get electrical energy by a turbine and a generator.

Hydropower energy

It is due to water movement. We can harness it using hydropower plants. It lets us get electrical energy by moving a turbine.

Natural gas

It is a gas mixture of methane and propane. It is originated as oil / petroleum. It is used to generate electricity and to cook in our homes.

Non-renewable energy resources

They need so much time to regenerate that they finally run out. Pollutants.

Nuclear fuel

It is produced by uranium atoms in nuclear plants. It is radioactive and dangerous. It is transformed in electricity.

Oil / Petroleum

It is a dark viscous liquid. It is usually in big pockets into the Earth. It is a hydrocarbon mixture. It is used to obtain combustibles: petrol, diesel oil,…

Renewable energy resources

They can regenerate or are practically endless. They are clean enough.

Solar energy

It is emitted by the Sun. We can harness it using solar panels. It lets us get warmth and electrical energy.

Tidal energy

It is due to tides. Tides are because of gravitational attraction between both the Moon and the Sun above seas. It lets us get electrical energy by a valve and a generator.

Wind energy

It is produced by wind. We can harness it using windmills. It lets us get electrical energy by spinning its blades.