6.5 Fossil Fuels

Describe the use and methods of fossil fuels in power generation.

• The combustion of fossil fuels is a chemical reaction between the fuel and oxygen that yields carbon dioxide and water and releases energy.
• Energy from fossil fuels is produced by burning those fuels to generate heat, which then turns water into steam. That steam turns a turbine, which spins a generator, producing electricity.
• Humans use a variety of methods to extract fossil fuels from the earth for energy generation.
• Enduring understanding ENG-3: Humans use energy from a variety of sources, resulting in positive and negative consequences.

Describe the effects of fossil fuels on the environment.

• Hydrologic fracturing (fracking) can cause groundwater contamination and the release of volatile organic compounds.
• Enduring understanding ENG-3: Humans use energy from a variety of sources, resulting in positive and negative consequences.