A. Energy Generation and Storage

Question 1

How do turbines work to produce energy?

Answer 1

Fossil fuels are burned to create heat which superheats water. The resultant steam rotates the turbine which is linked to a generator that produces electricity

Question 2

Advantages of fossil fuels

Answer 2

• A cheap and reliable source of energy
• Well developed systems in place to harness the energy

Question 3

Disadvantages of fossil fuels

Answer 3

• Contains high amounts of carbon and contributes to global warming
• A non-renewable and unsustainable energy source
• Accidents such as oil spills contribute to pollution and contamination

Question 4

What is shale gas and how is it extracted?

Answer 4

• A natural gas trapped in earth’s crust
• Fracking is a process for extracting the gas from the shale

Question 5

What is nuclear power?

Answer 5

Produces energy through a process called fission (splitting of uranium atoms). This releases large amounts of heat which generates steam, driving turbines to produce electricity

Question 6

Advantages of nuclear power

Answer 6

• Clean and efficient
• Runs continuously, generating large scale power
• Supplies about 12% of the world’s energy

Question 7

Disadvantages of nuclear power

Answer 7

• Waste material is radioactive and dangerous to life
• Waste fuel requires specialist handling, decommissioning and lots of storage space

Question 8

How does wind power work?

Answer 8

Wind turbines convert kinetic energy from the wind into electricity. The energy from the wind turns the blades on the rotor which is connected to a generator

Question 9

Advantages of wind power

Answer 9

• Cost effective
• Clean source of energy
• Sustainable and renewable

Question 10

Disadvantages of wind power

Answer 10

• Unpredictable
• Affect visual appearance of a landscape
• Distance between remote wind sites and connection costs to the national grid could be significant

Question 11

How does tidal power work?

Answer 11

Converts kinetic energy from the tide into power. Movement of water turns turbine, which then turns a generator

Question 12

Difference between tidal barrage systems and tidal stream systems?

Answer 12

Tidal barrage: Utilises the difference between high and low tides

Tidal stream: Utilises fast flowing currents around coasts and islands

Question 13

Advantages of tidal power

Answer 13

• Constant, predictable energy source
• Clean and renewable

Question 14

Disadvantages of tidal power

Answer 14

Expensive to set up and maintain

Question 15

How does solar power work?

Answer 15

Solar panels absorb light into photovoltaic cells which is converted into electricity

Question 16

Advantages of solar power

Answer 16

• Renewable clean power
• Energy can be collected on sunny or cloudy days

Question 17

Disadvantages of solar power

Answer 17

• Energy generation levels are lower in winter months when daylight hours are shorter

Question 18

What is biomass energy?

Answer 18

Energy produced from organic matter such as plants, wood chips and animal waste. The energy can be extracted through burning or anaerobic digestion (creates biogas and biofertiliser)

Question 19

Advantages of biomass energy

Answer 19

• A renewable form of energy with a plentiful supply of material
• Carbon neutral

Question 20

Disadvantages of biomass energy

Answer 20

• Risk of deforestation if tress are not replanted
• Increase in CO2 emissions

Question 21

What is hydroelectric power?

Answer 21

Captures the energy of falling water. A turbine converts kinetic energy into mechanical energy. Dams are the most common structure

Question 22

Advantages of hydroelectric power

Answer 22

• Renewable
• Reliable
• Does not pollute
• Regulated according to demand

Question 23

Disadvantages of hydroelectric power

Answer 23

• Cost and environmental pollution of dam construction is high
• Local environment is affected by flooding of a valley, impacting water flow.

Question 24

Why should batteries be disposed of properly?

Answer 24

Batteries contain chemicals that are toxic and should be disposed of correctly at a recycling centre. If they end up in landfill, they chemicals could contaminate the ground causing water or soil pollution.