| A | B |
|---|
| Renewable resource | An energy resource that is in constant supply and will not run out in the foreseeable future |
| Nonrenewable resource | An energy resource that is being used faster than natural Earth processes can replace it |
| Fossil fuel | An energy resource formed over millions of years from the remains of dead plants and other organisms; for example, coal and oil; nonrenewable |
| Coal | Sedimentary rock formed from decayed plant material; the world’s most abundant fossil fuel |
| Oil | A liquid fossil fuel formed from marine organisms that is burned to obtain energy and used in the manufacture of most plastics |
| Natural gas | A fossil fuel formed from marine organisms that is often found in tilted or folded rock layers and is used for heating and cooking |
| Reserve | The amount of a fossil fuel that can be extracted from Earth at a profit using current technology |
| Nuclear energy | An alternative energy source that is based on atomic fission |
| Solar energy | A renewable, clean energy resource used to generate electricity when the sun’s rays cause a chemical reaction inside a solar panel |
| Wind energy | A renewable resource used to produce electricity by causing the rotation of blades on a large generator through changes in air temperature |
| Hydroelectric energy | A renewable resource used to generate electricity by controlling water flow through a dam |
| Geothermal energy | A renewable resource used to generate electricity when hot magma or hot, dry rocks from below Earth’s surface heat water to create steam |
| Biomass energy | A renewable resource used to generate heat or electricity by burning organic materials such as wood, animal waste, garbage, and alcohol |
| Mineral resource | A resource from which metals are obtained |
| Ore | A deposit in which a mineral exists in large enough amounts to be mined at a profit |
| Recycling | A conservation method in which old materials are processed to make new ones |
