Figure 5.5: Nuclear power plants like this one provide France with almost 80% of its elec-
tricity. ( 6 )
Lesson Summary
- Coal, oil and natural gas are all fossil fuels formed from the remains of once living
organisms. - Coal is our largest source of energy for producing electricity.
- Mining and using coal produce many environmental impacts, including carbon dioxide
emissions and acid rain. - Oil and natural gas are important sources of energy for many types of vehicles and
uses in our homes and industry. - Nuclear energy is produced by splitting atoms. It also produces radioactive wastes
that are very dangerous for many years. - Fossil fuels are nonrenewable sources of energy that produce environmental damage.
Interdisciplinary Connection
Social Studies: Find a map that shows the location of oil refineries in the United States.
Which states have the most refineries?
Review Questions
- How does a fossil fuel form?
- The hardest type of coal is called anthracite. Why is anthracite harder than other