chapter 2 Flashcards
Describe 4 locations where the bulk of energy in the universe is found.
The 4 major energy sources are electromagnetic radiation, cosmic microwave background, kinetic energy, gravitational attraction energy. These can be found in the sun, in-between planets,moving things, and in and around stars.
Describe how energy produced by the sun is generated and how it is transmitted to earth.
The energy from the sun comes from fusion. This is the process of 2 protons splitting apart, when this occurs it releases energy, which travels down to earth in the form of electromagnetic waves. We use Photovoltaic cells to capture the waves and turn them into electricity.
Explain what is meant by the dual nature of light.
The dual nature of light simply means that light can travel/behave in waves or particles.
Explain what a quantum of energy is.
It is the plural of quanta, which is when energy travels in little lumps.
List the 6 regions in the electromagnetic spectrum, in order from longest wavelength to the shortest.
From longest to shortest the order goes AM radio/FM radio, Microwaves, Infrared light, Visible light, Ultraviolet light, X-rays, Gamma rays.
List the 6 colors in the visible spectrum, in order from longest wavelength to shortest, and the wavelength range of visible light.
Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple. The wavelength is measured by the distance between the peaks of quanta.
Describe 6 major forms of energy, and explain how each one is used to produce electrical power in the 21st century.
Chemical potential energy, electromagnetic radiation, gravitational potential energy, kinetic energy, and thermal energy are the 6 major forms of energy. First there is Chemical potential energy. Chemical potential energy is the energy held in bonds made in food and fuel molecules. Chemical potential energy can be used in many different forms, such as coal, petroleum, fossil fuels, and natural gas. Chemical potential energy is released during a chemical reaction, like heating up water. We can use chemical potential energy in many ways. 2 would be lighting a stove and heating up a house.Next is kinetic energy. Kinetic energy can be found in all moving things like a Pia. Workers harness the wind and attach it to an electrical generator to produce electricity. Then there is thermal energy and u go look up the rest because that’s why thank u.
Describe some of the drawbacks of using fossil fuels for electrical power production.
pollution,oil spills, emission of CO2, foreign dependency.
Describe some of the drawbacks of using nuclear energy for electrical power production.
Uranium is technically non-renewable
Very high upfront costs
Nuclear waste
Malfunctions can be catastrophic
