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What is wind?
Wind is moving air.
Where does wind energy come from?
Wind energy comes from the sun. The sun heats the Earth unevenly, causing air to move.
Why does the Earth near the Equator get warmer than the poles?
The Equator receives more of the sun’s energy than the North and South Poles.
How do light-colored surfaces affect sunlight?
Light-colored surfaces reflect more sunlight back into the air.
Why do dark forests get warmer than deserts?
Dark forests absorb more sunlight, while light desert sands reflect more sunlight.
Why does warm air rise?
Warm air expands, becomes less dense, and rises into the atmosphere.
What happens when warm air rises?
Cooler, denser air moves in to take its place, creating wind.
Why is wind energy considered renewable?
Wind energy is renewable because as long as the sun shines, wind will continue to form.
Why is wind energy free?
Wind energy is free because no one owns the sun or the air.
Where are good places to build wind turbines?
Good places include areas near water, flat land, mountain passes, and offshore in the ocean.
What is a wind farm?
A wind farm is a place where many wind turbines are grouped together to make electricity.
How tall can wind turbines be?
Some wind turbines are as tall as 20-story buildings.
How do wind turbines make electricity?
Wind pushes the blades, making them spin. The spinning blades turn a generator to produce electricity.
Do wind turbines run all the time? Why or why not?
No, they do not run all the time because sometimes there is no wind or the wind blows too hard.
How often do most wind turbines operate?
Most wind turbines run between 65 and 90 percent of the time.
Why is wind energy considered clean energy?
Wind energy is clean because wind turbines do not burn fuel and do not pollute the air.
