APES Objectives – Unit 6

Summary

Unit 6, “Energy Resources and Consumption,” provides an in-depth look at different energy sources and their environmental impacts. It distinguishes between renewable and nonrenewable energy sources and discusses global energy consumption trends. The unit covers various fuel types, including fossil fuels like coal, natural gas, and crude oil, and explains the process of generating electricity from them. It also details nuclear power, including the process of fission, waste disposal challenges, and accidents like Chernobyl and Fukushima. The unit explores alternative energy sources such as biomass, solar, hydroelectric, geothermal, hydrogen fuel cells, and wind energy, outlining the benefits and drawbacks of each. It concludes with methods for energy conservation on both an individual and large scale. This unit is heavily weighted on the AP Exam, at 10-15%.