Energy Sources and Their Characteristics

Front

fuel

Back

A material that releases energy as heat when it burns.

Front

combustion

Back

The process of burning a fuel to produce heat and light.

Front

turbine

Back

A device that spins as the gas flows and changes the heat energy of the stream into energy of motion.

Front

generator

Back

A device that changes energy of motion into electrical energy.

Front

battery

Back

Stores chemical energy and can convert that energy into electrical energy.

Front

fossil fuel

Back

Materials that formed as ancient plants and animals decayed underground.

Front

coal

Back

Chemical changes transformed the plant stems and leaves into a hard, black substance.

Front

petroleum

Back

A liquid fossil fuel formed by the decay of ancient plants and animals.

Front

natural gas

Back

A fossil fuel that occurs in the gas state.

Front

nuclear fuel

Back

An energy source made from unstable elements, such as uranium.