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 Fission | reaction that splits the nucleus of an atom, releasing energy |
| Renewable energy | energy from natural resources |
| Non-renwable energy | energy that cannot be restored quixkly |
| Emissions | gases and particles that are given off when fuels are burned |
| Global warming | warming of the Earth because of greenhouse gases |
| Fuel rod | contains the fuel in a nuclear reactor |
| Fusion | reaction in which nuclei of two atoms combine |
| Carboniferous | Period when fossil fuels were formed |
| Coal | Rock formed from plant material that was under great heat and pressure |
| Control rods | control the release of energy in a nuclear reactor |
| Photovoltaic Cells | convert light directly into electricity |
| Solar Water Heating | heat from the sun heats water in glass panels which is used for hot water or for heating |
| Solar Furnaces | Uses a huge array of mirrors to concentrate the Sun's energy into a small space and produces very high temperatures |
| Tidal Energy | Uses motion of the tides to produce electricity |
| Net Metering | Allows residents to sell unused energy produced with solar panels back to the power company |
| Multijunction cell | PV cell that absorbs different wavelengths of light |
| Peat | Formed from plant material that forms coal when exposed to extreme heat and pressure |
| Silicon | material that PV cells are made from |
| Uranium | fuel for nuclear power plants |
| Wind | Movement of air created by the heating and cooling of the Earth's surface |
| Anthracite | Highest grade of coal; it has been exposed to the most heat and pressure |
| Dam | Used to produce hydroelectric power |
| Geothermal energy | Uses heat from the Earth to produce electricity or heat homes |
| Fossil Fuels | Coal, oil, and natural gas |