Chapter 2: Energy and the Environment Flashcards
What are fossil fuels?
A: Carbon-based fuels formed millions of years ago from the decay of living matter.
Q: How is coal formed?
A: From plants through the formation of peat, lignite, and eventually coal.
Q: How are oil and natural gas formed?
A: From sea creatures through layers of sediments, heat, and pressure turning remains into crude oil and natural gas.
Q: What is lignite?
A: Low-grade coal formed from compressed peat.
Q: What happens to oil and gas after formation?
A: They separate and rise through sandstone, filling in the pores, and get trapped under an impervious rock layer.
Q: What is a non-renewable energy source?
A: Fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) or nuclear power.
Q: Name a reason for the increasing worldwide demand for energy.
A: Increasing population size.
Q: How is geothermal power generated?
A: By pumping cold water into hot rocks, heating it, and using the steam to drive a turbine.
Q: Give an example of a renewable energy source.
A: Wind power.
Q: What does a turbine do?
A: It revolves to convert gas, steam, or air into mechanical energy connected to a generator.
Q: What are some strategies to reduce energy consumption?
A: Improving insulation, using energy-efficient devices, and turning off devices when not in use.
Q: What is the role of photovoltaic cells in solar power?
A: They produce a small electric charge when exposed to light.
Q: What is fracking?
A: Obtaining oil or gas from shale rock by splitting it open using water, sand, and chemicals.
Q: What are the advantages of biofuels?
A: Renewable source, growing more plants uses carbon dioxide, and can be plentiful.
Q: How does wind power generate electricity?
A: Through wind turbines that rotate due to wind, turning a generator.
Q: What are the environmental concerns of fracking?
A: Risk of toxins entering the water table, water usage, and noise pollution.
Q: How is tidal power generated?
A: By using the rise and fall of water levels and a tidal barrage to release water through a turbine.
Q: What is a disadvantage of using detergent sprays for oil spills?
A: They can damage coral reefs.
Q: What is the process of anaerobic digestion?
A: Breaking down organic matter using bacteria to release methane and produce compost.
Q: What is a disadvantage of using fossil fuels?
A: Release of carbon dioxide and toxic gases contributing to global warming.
Q: What is the purpose of floating booms in oil spill management?
A: To surround and prevent the spread of the oil slick.
Q: What are double-hulled tankers?
A: Tankers with an outer layer and an inner plate to reduce the risk of oil spills.
Q: How is energy from waste managed?
A: Through anaerobic digestion, incineration, and recycling vegetable oils into biofuels.
Q: What is the impact of oil spills on phytoplankton?
A: Oil blocks sunlight, preventing photosynthesis, leading to their death.
Q: What effect does oil pollution have on fish?
A: Shortage of food, reduced oxygen, and direct contact affecting gills.
Q: How does oil pollution affect birds?
A: Shortage of food, toxic consumption, and contamination of feathers affecting flight.
Q: What is the impact of oil spills on coral reefs?
A: Complete devastation due to lack of oxygen and oil coverage.
Q: What are the environmental benefits of biofuels?
A: They are renewable and can reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Q: What are some disadvantages of biofuels?
A: Carbon dioxide and toxic gas emissions, land use for agriculture, and removal of natural ecosystems.
Q: How do economic conditions impact energy demand?
A: Good economic conditions increase demand due to higher spending, while poor conditions decrease it.
Q: What is the effect of climate on energy demand?
A: Colder winters or excessive heat increase the need for heating or cooling, respectively.
Q: What is the MARPOL convention?
A: International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships.
Q: What is a significant challenge associated with the use of geothermal power?
A: The need to manage the return of hot water to the surface.
Q: What is the impact of oil pollution on beaches?
A: Oil coats rocks, affects shallow water organisms, and impacts tourism.
Q: How does hydro-electric power generate electricity?
A: By releasing water from a dam through turbines that activate a generator.
Q: What are some energy-saving strategies in building construction?
A: Insulation, double glazing, and using energy-efficient materials.
Q: What role does a generator play in electricity production?
A: It converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.
Q: What is one way to improve the efficiency of electrical devices?
A: By purchasing energy-efficient models.
Q: What are skimmers used for in oil spill management?
A: To clean water by dragging oil off the surface and collecting it.
Q: What is the benefit of using triple glazing?
A: Provides better insulation than double glazing but is more expensive.
Q: What does the term ‘standby mode’ refer to in energy conservation?
A: Keeping devices partially active but not fully operational to save energy.
Q: How does wind power differ from wave power?
A: Wind power uses wind turbines, while wave power uses the movement of water waves.
Q: What are the benefits of using anaerobic digestion for waste management?
A: Produces methane for heating and compost to improve soil.
Q: What is the primary function of a turbine in energy generation?
A: To convert energy from steam, gas, or wind into mechanical rotation.
Q: How can public transport improvements affect energy consumption?
A: They can make transportation more efficient and reduce reliance on personal vehicles.
Q: How does wave power generate electricity?
A: By capturing energy from the movement of ocean waves.
Q: How can energy be conserved in household buildings?
A: Through measures like insulation, turning off devices, and efficient energy use.
Q: What is the role of insulation in energy conservation?
A: It helps prevent heat loss and improves energy efficiency in buildings.
Q: What is the purpose of a tidal barrage in tidal power generation?
A: To control water flow and release it through turbines to generate electricity.
Q: What is a significant disadvantage of using nuclear power?
A: Limited supply of uranium and potential environmental hazards.
Q: What is a key advantage of solar power?
A: It uses photovoltaic cells to generate electricity from sunlight.
Q: What is the effect of oil pollution on mammals?
A: Depletion of food sources, toxic ingestion, and skin contamination.
Q: What are the potential health risks of fracking?
A: Toxins entering water supplies and possible local health impacts.
Q: What is a major environmental concern of burning fossil fuels?
A: The release of carbon dioxide and other pollutants contributing to global warming.
Q: Why are double-hulled tankers preferred over single-hulled tankers?
A: They reduce the risk of oil spills if the outer layer is damaged.
Q: How do energy-efficient devices contribute to conservation?
A: They use less energy to perform the same tasks as less efficient models.
Q: What are the advantages of using wind turbines?
A: They provide a renewable source of energy and do not produce emissions.
Q: What is the impact of energy consumption on the environment?
A: Increased energy use can lead to higher emissions and resource depletion.
Q: How does the installation of double glazing benefit energy conservation?
A: It provides better insulation by creating a sealed gap between two panes of glass.
What is the main function of a heat exchanger in geothermal systems?
To transfer heat from the hot water to a second supply of water to produce steam.
Q: What is a significant advantage of using biofuels over fossil fuels?
A: Biofuels are renewable and can be replenished more quickly.
Q: What does the term “scrappage scheme” refer to?
A: Programs that remove inefficient machines or vehicles from use.
Q: What is the purpose of using skimmers in oil spill cleanup?
A: To remove oil from the surface of the water using a material that oil attaches to.
Q: What role does education play in energy conservation?
A: It promotes awareness and encourages the adoption of energy-saving practices.
What is the primary advantage of using energy-efficient lighting?
It reduces energy consumption and lowers electricity bills.
How does hydro-electric power generate electricity?
: By storing water in a reservoir and releasing it through turbines to activate a generator
Q: How does hydro-electric power generate electricity?
A: By storing water in a reservoir and releasing it through turbines to activate a generator.
Q: How does the use of biofuels compare to fossil fuels?
A: Biofuels are renewable, while fossil fuels are non-renewable and contribute to pollution.
Q: What is the purpose of a heat exchanger in geothermal power?
A: To transfer heat from one water supply to another, generating steam for turbines.
Q: What type of energy source is tidal power?
Renewable
Q: What is a key environmental disadvantage of burning biofuels?
A: They release carbon dioxide and toxic gases during combustion.
Q: What is the main benefit of using a photovoltaic cell in solar panels?
A: It converts sunlight directly into electrical energy.
Q: How does wave power differ from tidal power?
A: Wave power captures energy from water wave movements, while tidal power uses changes in water levels.
Q: How does the insulation of buildings contribute to energy conservation?
A: By reducing heat loss and improving energy efficiency.
Q: What environmental issue is associated with offshore oil extraction?
A: Risk of oil spills and marine pollution.
