Energy Sources

Although California uses more renewable resources than many other states, much of the state's electricity still comes from nonrenewable sources. Find out how using renewable energy sources to create electricity helps reduce fossil fuel consumption and how it has the potential to have the largest impact on climate change.

Energy Sources

This video segment illustrates a variety of energy sources used to generate electricity, some of which are in use and some of which are under exploration.

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Engineering Biofuels

In this video segment adapted from KQED's QUEST, find out how synthetic biologists use the techniques of metabolic engineering and directed evolution to make more effective biofuels.

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Ethanol Biofuel

In this video segment adapted from NOVA, learn about one scientist's idea for using biotechnology to make ethanol a more efficient alternative to gasoline.

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Eve: Extreme Ultraviolet Variability Experiment

In this NASA video, scientists describe how the Extreme Ultraviolet Variability Experiment will sample and track the Sun's ultraviolet irradiance, providing a detailed time sequence of extreme ultraviolet output -- data that can provide advance warning for potentially disruptive energy bursts.

FAQs About Nuclear Power

Nuclear physicist, Dr. Charles Till, answers questions about nuclear power in this interview from the FRONTLINE Web site.

Fission and Reprocessing: How They Work

This video-enhanced document from the FRONTLINE Web site explains how nuclear fission and nuclear reprocessing work.

Fracking

In this video segment adapted from Need to Know, learn about the controversial method of extracting natural gas known as hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, and how some residents who live near drill sites are concerned that it's polluting their water.

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Franklin Chang-Díaz: Rocket Scientist

This video segment adapted from NOVA scienceNOW profiles Franklin Chang-Díaz, a scientist who is working on plasma-powered rockets and was NASA's first Latin American astronaut.

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Fuel Cells

In this video segment adapted from NOVA scienceNOW, hydrogen fuel cell cars promise pollution-free driving, but will we see them anytime soon?

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Fusion Energy Advances

In this report from the NewsHour, correspondent Spencer Michels reports on ongoing efforts to produce fusion energy to help fuel American energy independence.

Fusion: The Hydrogen Bomb

Just after World War II, nuclear scientists turned their attention from fission to fusion. This video segment adapted from AMERICAN EXPERIENCE looks at the beginnings of thermonuclear power generation.

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Gamma-ray Burst Theories

This video segment from Swift: Eyes through Time introduces and explains theories of the origin of gamma-ray bursts.

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Generating Electrical Voltage

This interactive resource adapted from the Wisconsin Online Resource Center illustrates how electrical voltage is generated through a process called magnetic induction and describes some of the factors that affect the magnitude of the voltage produced.

Generation of Alternating Current

This interactive resource adapted from the Wisconsin Online Resource Center illustrates the parts of an electrical generator and shows how they function to produce alternating current.

Geothermal Energy: Harnessing the Power of the Earth

Geothermal energy is a renewable energy source produced from the heat inside Earth.In this video from KQED, discover how it is produced and its limitations.

Geothermal Power

This video segment from Vegas PBS shows the important role geothermal energy systems can play in making a more energy-efficient and greener building.

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Germany Phases Out Nuclear Power

This video excerpt from FRONTLINE: "Nuclear Aftershocks" explores the debate behind Germany's decision to phase out its nuclear energy program and revert back to coal as “the bridge” that will eventually allow greater reliance on renewable energy.

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Get Close to a Nuclear Fission Reaction!

Learn how scientists regulate a nuclear reactor in this animation-enhanced essay from the FRONTLINE Web site.

Global Warming and The Greenhouse Effect

This video excerpt from Race to Save the Planet discusses the greenhouse effect and global warming.

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