Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
power plant:
A place for the
production of electric power, also
sometimes called a “power station.”
precipitation:
The different forms
of water that fall from the sky, such
as rain, sleet, or snow.
radioactive:
Giving off radiation,
which can be harmful.
renewable:
A resource that never
gets used up. Energy sources such
as sunlight and wind are renewable;
sources such as coal, natural gas,
and oil are nonrenewable.
reservoir:
A large body of water
created by people, often behind a
dam.
shaft:
A rod that turns.
solar:
Relating to the Sun.
thermal:
Relating to heat.
tide:
The rise and fall of the oceans
twice each day, caused by the
gravity of the Sun and the Moon.
turbine:
A machine that produces
a turning action, which can be used
to make electricity. The turning
action may be caused by steam,
wind, or some other energy source.
vapor:
Particles of moisture in the
air in the form of steam, clouds,
fumes, or smoke.
watt:
A common unit of
measurement for the rate at which
electric energy is used.
