1.1. What is Chemistry? http://www.ck12.org
FIGURE 1.
Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is an
analytical technique that uses very large
magnets in order to learn about the spe-
cific makeup of complex chemicals. Pic-
tured is a 900 MHz NMR spectrometer
located in Birmingham, UK.to store safely. Chemists are currently searching for better ways to store nuclear waste. Nuclear fusion, the process
that occurs in the sun and other stars, is an alternative that does not generate the same type of waste as nuclear fission.
Scientists are actively trying to make nuclear fusion a practical source of energy.
Biofuels are an alternative energy source that has gained a great deal of attention in recent years (Figure1.4).
Various types of biofuels are obtained from vegetable oils, animal fats, and the decomposition of corn or other crops.
Although the use of biofuels lessens our dependence on fossil fuels, it still involves the burning of carbon-based
chemicals, which contributes to climate change.
Finding alternative energy sources that are renewable and do not harm the environment is a primary goal for scientists
working in this field. Renewable energy sources are those that either will not run out or that can be used over and
over again. Chemists and other scientists are actively involved in the search for these energy sources and for ways
to make their use widespread and practical. Solar energy involves the direct transformation of the energy from the
sun into electricity by the use of devices called photovoltaic cells. Energy from wind can be obtained from the use
of giant windmills. Wind power is an energy source that has been on the rise in recent years, with an increasing
number of “wind farms” being built both on land and offshore. Geothermal energy is energy that is generated and
stored deep within the Earth. This energy source can also be tapped and used to generate electricity.