Term
click below
click below
Term
Normal Size Small Size show me how
Chapter 4
Vocabulary
Term | Definition |
---|---|
Natural resource | A material in the natural environment that people value and use to satisfy their needs. |
Renewable resource | A natural resource that the environment continues to supply or replace as it is used. |
Nonrenewable resource | A natural resource that cannot be replaced once it is used. |
Fossil fuel | Any one of several nonrenewable mineral resources formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals and used for fuel. |
Nuclear energy | A type of energy produced by fission- the splitting of uranium atoms in a nuclear reactor, releasing stored energy. |
Water power | Energy produced from falling water to move machinery or generate electricity. |
Geothermal energy | Energy produced from the earths intense interior heat. |
Solar energy | Energy produced by the sun. |
Primary economic activity | An economic activity that takes or uses natural resources directly, such as fishing or mining. |
Subsistence farming | Farming that provides only enough for the needs of a family or a village. |
Commercial farming | The raising of crops and livestock for sale in markets. |
Secondary economic activity | An economic activity in which people use raw materials to produce or manufacture new products of greater value. |
Cottage industry | A small scale manufacturing operation using little technology, often located in or near peoples homes. |
Commercial industry | A large scale manufacturing operation that employs many people and produces large quantities of goods. |
Tertiary economic activity | An economic activity in which people do not directly gather or process raw materials but pursue activities that serve other; service industry. |
Quaternary economic activity | an economic activity that focuses on the acquisition, processing, and sharing of information, such as education or research. |
Export | An item that is sent out of the country for sale. |
Import | An item that is brought into the country for sale. |