Climate Flashcards
What is the Natural Greenhouse Effect?
The process by which radiation reflected from the Earth’s surface is absorbed by gases in the atmosphere and prevented from escaping into space, thus keeping the Earth warmer than it would otherwise be.
What is the enhanced greenhouse effect?
The enhancement of the natural greenhouse effect through man-made emissions of greenhouse gases, trapping increasing quantities of heat.
What is climate change?
A large-scale, long-term shift in Earth’s weather patterns or average temperatures.
What are the three main “Grennhouse gases” ?
- Carbon dioxide
- Methane
- Nitrous oxide
What is meant by the “Reactants” in a reaction?
The two (or more) starting chemicals that are combined to cause the reaction.
What is meant by the “Products” of a reaction?
The resulting chemical/s after a reaction has occured.
What is meant by “Combustion” ?
A rapid chemical reaction with oxygen to produce heat and light.
What are the “Products” of combustion?
Carbon dioxide and water.
What is the “Test” for oxygen gas?
Oxygen will relight a glowing splint.
What is the “Test” for carbon dioxide gas?
Carbon dioxide will put out a lit splint.
What is the “Test” for hydrogen gas?
Hydrogen will burn with a “Squeaky pop”.
What is meant by a “Renewable” energy source?
A source of energy that does not have a finite amount, it will not run out.
List the common types of renewable energy.
- Wind
- Solar
- Wave
- Tidal
- Hydro-electric
- Geothermal
- Biofuels
How is electricity produced using “Wind energy” ?
The wind causes the blades of wind turbine to rotate, the turbine drives an electrical generator, generating electricity.
What are the main energy changes in a Wind turbine?
Kinetic energy → Electrical energy
What are the pros & cons of “Wind energy” ?
Pros :
Does not emit carbon dioxide
Can provide a large amount of energy
Can be used in a wide range of locations
Cons :
Wind not reliable
Flying animals can be injured by blades
Visual impact on rural environments
How is electricity produced using “Solar energy” ?
A Photo-voltaic cell directly converts light energy into electrical energy by producing a voltage within a semiconductor.
What are the main energy changes in a “Photo-voltaic cell”?
Light energy → Electrical energy
What are the pros & cons of “Solar energy” ?
Pros :
Does not emit carbon dioxide
Can provide a large amount of energy
Can be used in a wide range of locations
Cons :
Is affected by weather conditions
Does not generate at night
Expensive set up costs
How is electricity produced using “Tidal energy” ?
The water flowing across a tidal turbine causes the blades of turbine to rotate, the turbine drives an electrical generator, generating electricity.
What are the main energy changes in a “Tidal turbine”?
Kinetic energy → Electrical energy
What are the pros & cons of “Tidal energy” ?
Pros :
Does not emit carbon dioxide
Can provide a large amount of energy
Reliable and predictable energy source
Cons :
Can be damaged by storms
Can be a hazard to other water users
Can only be used in very specific locations
How is electricity produced using “Wave energy” ?
The wave action causes the wave energy converter to move up and down, driving hydraulics attached to a hydraulic generator, generating electricity.
What are the main energy changes in a “Wave energy converter”?
Kinetic energy → Electrical energy
