S278_2 Glossary
S278_2 Glossary.
Friday, 13 December 2024, 12:45 AM
Site: Open Learning
Course: An introduction to energy resources (S278_2)
Glossary: S278_2 Glossary
A
AnoxicConditions that are oxygen poor (lacking oxygen). Not all the fixed carbon in dead plant tissue returns to the atmosphere as CO2: some may be retained as carbon-enriched residue and yet more converted into hydrocarbons. |
B
BiomassWood and other plant materials that can be used as fuels. |
C
CarbohydratesOrganic compounds of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen, with the general formula CnH2nOn. Glucose, one of the simplest carbohydrates, has the formula C6H12O6. |
Carbon cycleThe movement of carbon between the major natural stores of carbon (called ‘reservoirs’) on the Earth. The two major divisions of the cycle are the terrestrial and marine carbon cycles. |
E
EnergyThe capacity to do work, measured in joules (J). |
Energy densityThe amount of energy stored by a resource relative to the volume that it occupies. |
Energy efficiencyThe ratio of the useful output of work to the input of energy supplied — usually expressed as a percentage. |
EnthalpyThe total energy content of a physical system. |
F
ForceThe means by which the direction or speed of movement of an object is changed; equal to mass x acceleration. |
Fossil fuelsCombustible resources derived from ancient organisms, especially coal, oil and natural gas. |