4.1.3 National and global energy resources (might come up)

Question 1

What are the main energy resources

Answer 1

Fossil fuels (coal,gas,oil)
Tides
Wind 
Nuclear fuel
Bio-fuel
Hydroelectricity
Geothermal
Sun waves
Water waves

Question 2

What is a renewable energy source

Answer 2

A renewable energy resource is one that is being (or can be) replenished as it is used

Question 3

What are the main uses of energy resources

Answer 3

Transport
Heating
Electricity generation

Question 4

Why has electricity use in the UK been decreasing

Answer 4

We are getting better at making appliances more efficient and are trying to be more careful with energy use in our homes

Question 5

What factors limit energy being made renewable

Answer 5

Economic considerations
Politics
Reliability
Money
Social issues
Ethical issues

Question 6

Environmental impacts of burning fossil fuels

Answer 6

Carbon dioxide contributes to the greenhouse effect and caused global warming
Sulphur dioxide leads to acid rain which can damage buildings and crops

Question 7

3 advantages of fossil fuels as an energy resource

Answer 7

Reliable
Can produce large amounts of energy for a given quantity
Relatively abundant so cost-effective

Question 8

3 Advantages of nuclear power

Answer 8

Large amounts of energy for relatively small quantities of fuel
Doesn’t release greenhouse gases and so doesn’t contribute to climate change
Low fuel costs

Question 9

3 disadvantages of nuclear power

Answer 9

Produces nuclear waste which is harmful to humans and must be safely stored for centuries
Non-renewable energy source
Risk of nuclear accidents which have fatal consequences on humans and the environment

Question 10

How does hydroelectric power produce energy

Answer 10

Rainwater collects behind a dam
When this water is released it is used to turn a turbine
This turbine turns a generator which produces electricity

Question 11

Disadvantages of using biofuels

Answer 11

When plants are burned or decay they release CO2
In order to grow biofuels you need to destroy land which leads to problems because the land could have been natural habitats
Growing biofuels reduces the land available for growing food

Question 12

Social factors which may act as a deterrent for certain types of energy production

Answer 12

Visual pollution

Sound pollution