Chapter 3.3 - Power from the Sun and the Earth

Question 1

What do solar cells do and what is another name for them?

Answer 1

Solar cells convert the light from the sun into electricity

They are sometimes called photovoltaic (PV) cells

Question 2

Advantages of solar cells (2 advantages)

Answer 2

• renewable
• cheap to run

Question 3

Disadvantages of solar cells (3 disadvantages)

Answer 3

• inefficient
• expensive to buy
• unreliable in cloudier areas

Question 4

What is the difference between solar cells and solar heating panels?

Answer 4

Solar heating panels are panels of pipes with water flowing through them, which the sun heats and then can be used around the house.

Question 5

Where does geothermal energy come from?

Answer 5

Hot rocks underground - the heat usually originates from radioactive substances

Question 6

How does geothermal energy work?

Answer 6

We pump water underground to the rocks, whose heat turns the water into steam, which can turn turbines which is converted into energy

Question 7

Advantages of geothermal power (2 advantages)

Answer 7

• renewable
• doesn’t produce greenhouse gases

Question 8

Disadvantages of geothermal power (2 disadvantages)

Answer 8

• Expensive to setup
• Can only be used in limited locations which are often remote