Glossary atmosphere
layer of air that surrounds the Earth
chemical energy
the energy stored in the bonds between atoms within atoms, such as in food or gasoline
climate
the averages of many years of weather data and observations
climate change
the scientific conclusion that human activities are helping to increase temperatures and change other climate conditions
climatologist
a scientist who studies climate patterns and data
commercial
the sector of the economy that relates to businesses, churches, schools, hospitals and other places people might work
compost
decaying plant matter or waste that is used as a fertilizer
distribution lines
power lines that carry electricity into neighborhoods, homes, and businesses
drought
a long period with very little rainfall, can lead to a water shortage
electric poles
poles that hold electric wires and lines up off of the ground at a safe distance
efficiency
the ratio of energy delivered by a machine to the energy supplied for its operation; often refers to reducing energy consumption by using technologically advanced equipment without affecting the service provided
electricity
moving electrons through a conductor to do work
electrons
tiny particles in an atom that can create electricity
energy
the ability to do work or make a change
energy source
substances that we can use to create the energy we need
fossil fuel
energy sources that were formed millions to hundreds of millions of years ago from the remains of fossilized plant and animal organisms
generator
a device that changes motion energy into electricity
growth
increasing in size
heat
thermal energy, or the energy within a substance, measured with temperature
industrial
the sector of the economy that includes factories, refineries, mills, and other big businesses that make products
light
energy that travels in waves that we can see
meteorologists
scientists that study and predict the weather
motion
a change in position, things that change position have motion energy
nonrenewable
energy sources that can not be replaced as fast as they are used
power lines
electrical wires that bring electricity to our homes and businesses
power towers
tall structures that support heavy-duty electrical lines and carry them long distances
rays
waves of energy
recycle
to take a product that is used and reform it into a new product for the same or different use
reduce
to decrease or lower
refinery
a facility that uses heat and/or chemicals to process products
renewable
energy sources that are replaced nearly as quickly as they are used
repair
to fix
residential
the sector of the economy that includes homes and places people live
reuse
reuse to use again
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©2020 The NEED Project
Energy, Climate, and You Teacher & Student Guide
www.NEED.org
