Glossary

atmosphere (AT-muhs-fear): a mix of gases that surround a planet

efficient (uh-FISH-uhnt): working without wasting energy

generator (JEN-uh-ray-ter): a machine that converts energy to electricity

helium (HEE-lee-um): a light colorless gas that does not burn

hydrogen (HYE-druh-juhn): a colorless gas that does burn

industry (IN-dus-tree): manufacturing companies and other business

insulated (IN-suh-layt-ed): having material to prevent the loss of heat

nuclear fusion (NOO-klee-ur-FYOO-zhuhn): energy created when atom particles join

oxygen (OK-suh-juhn): a colorless gas found in air

parabolic trough (par-eh-BAH-lik-trawf): a long, narrow bowl-shaped container

photosynthesis (FOE-toe-SIN-thuh-siss): a chemical process by which plants make their food

photovoltaic cells (FOE-toe-vol-TAY-ik-sells): devices that can produce electricity when exposed to sunlight

silicon (SIL-uh-kuhn): a chemical element found in sand

technology (tek-NOL-uh-jee): using science and skills to improve upon things

turbine (TUR-bine): an engine driven by air, water, steam, or gas