Coal Flashcards
How is coal formed?
coal is formed from dead matter. When abundant plant material is covered by sediments, the material accumulates faster than it can decay - the pressure of these sediments compacts the organic layers, creating coal.
How is coal used?
coal is an affordable and reliable resource used as an energy source.
How is coal obtained?
through two methods, open cut mining or underground mining.
What are some problems associated with coal use? (try to describe one or two)
Rise of global warming as more CO2 is released into the atmosphere
Disturbs the inhabitants of the area, like natural wildlife
Causes noise pollution
Water and air pollution
Often results in deforestation
Why should Australia develop wind energy as a way to manage the non-renewable source of coal? (try 1 or 2 reasons!!)
Australia should develop wind energy as coal energy is not infinite and has many repercussions. Coal energy currently feeds off a non-renewable resource and thus will not last forever. Additionally, it creates many global issues, such as global warming: burning coal releases a lot of CO2, which in turn heats the globe. Wind is an infinite/renewable resource and is therefore much safer to use than continuing the use of coal.
How do wind turbines produce energy?
Wind produces electricity by harnessing energy from the wind to turn into usable electricity – wind energy. The wind blows the blades of the turbine, which spins the rotor, which spins and provides energy to a generator.
What are some advantages of wind energy?
Renewable and clean – producing no waste, non-polluting
Can be put anywhere with air/wind
Harnessing unused energy
Relatively cheap once set up
What are some disadvantages of wind energy?
Eyesore – not visually appealing
Disruptive of native wildlife and plants, noise pollution
Not reliable – wind is unpredictable.
Expensive to establish
