Energy

Question 1

What are non-renewable sources of energy?

Answer 1

Non-renewable sources of energy is referred to as energy from natural sources that cannot be replenished at a sustainable rate.
Examples: fossil fuels, nuclear energy

Question 2

What are fossil fuels? Provide examples + uses

Answer 2

Fossil fuels are formed from the remains of dead plants and animals, under extremely high pressure and temperature conditions within the ground.
Examples: natural gas, crude oil, coal
Uses:
- petroleum is fuel for cars and motorcycles
- natural gas is used in gas stoves for cooking
- most power stations generate electricity by burning fossil fuels

Question 3

Describe how -energy is generated form fossil fuels in a convectional power station using the diagram below.

Answer 3

The chemical potential energy in fossil fuels is converted to thermal energy by burning fossil fuels. The thermal energy causes the water to boil to steam, which rotates the rotors of the turbine, where the thermal energy is converted to kinetic energy. As the turbine spins, the generator converts the kinetic energy to electrical energy, thermal, and sound energy.

Question 4

What are the advantages and disadvantages of fossil fuels?

Answer 4

Advantages:
1. Highly efficient in most countries
2. Cheaper compared to renewable sources of energy
3. More readily available compared to renewable sources of energy
Disadvantages:
1. Produces harmful pollutants
2. Produces large amounts of greenhouse gases, which enhances the greenhouse effect and global warming
3. Extensive mining has a negative impact on the ecosystem
4. Non-renewable source of energy that will run out eventually

Question 5

What is nuclear energy? Uses

Answer 5

Nuclear energy is the energy released during a nuclear reaction.
Uses: Mostly used in the generation of electricity.

Question 6

Advantages and disadvantages of nuclear energy

Answer 6

Advantages:
1. Highly efficient as a small amount of radioactive element is sufficient to produce a large amount of energy
2. Does not produce harmful gases

Disadvantages:
1. Additional cost is required to dispose of radioactive waste
2. Radioactive waste from uranium mining can contaminate water sources