energy Flashcards
What is a renewable energy resource?
one that is being (or can be) replenished as it is used.
What are the main uses of energy resources?
transport, electricity generation and heating
What is a non-renewable energy resource?
resources which will eventually run out
what are the renewable energy resources? (7)
bio-fuel
wind
hydro-electricity
geothermal
Tidal
Solar
water waves.
What are the non-renewable energy resources? (4)
- Nuclear fuel
- coal
- oil
- gas
benefits of fossil fuels:
-release lot of energy
-very reliable
-abundant, relatively cheap
-versatile
disadvantages of fossil fuels:
-releases huge amount of CO2
-will run out
-can release other pollutants (ex. diesel releases carbon particles and nitrogen gas, coal :leads to sulfur dioxide, acid rain)
advantages of renewable:
-don’t emit CO2
-don’t run out
-hydroelectricity is reliable
disadvantages of renewable:
-can destroy habitats/ bad scenery
-not reliable(weather ones)
-only generate electricity
what does nuclear power run on?
-uranium and plutonium
advantages of nuclear power:
-once running, does not emit co2
-extremely reliable, generates lots of electricity
disadvantages of nuclear:
-can release harmful radioactive materials
-decommissioning takes many years and costly
-generates dangerous radioactive waste, has to stored for thousands of years before it’s safe
coal vs gas
-gas: short start up time
-emits less co2
future UK generation:
renewables will make most energy, nuclear base load, gas for peak times
how are homes adapted to reduce heat transfer
-cavity walls, air gaps, don’t allow conduction (air poor conductor)
-cavity wall insulation
-loft insulation
-2x glazed windows
-draught excluders
