energy Flashcards
what are the 2 main reasons of the increase in energy demand?
population growth and development
What percentage of the world’s energy comes from fossil fuels?
80% (coal, oil and gas)
define the term fossil fuel
fuels formed from the remains of living organisms (plants and animals) that cannot be replaced at a speed which keeps up with consumption
True or False?
Gas and oil reserves are estimated to run out by 2080 based on current use and availability.
true
define energy security
having an uninterrupted affordable and accessible supply of energy
what is an energy gap
when a country cannot meet the demand for energy using its own resources
what are three factors that can affect energy security?
energy sources running out
war/conflict
natural hazards
political disputes
True or False?
MEDCs use less energy than LEDCs
false
what are the main advantages of coal as an energy source?
world reserves estimated to be 120 years
reliable and easy to produce energy from
technology has enabled coal to be obtained more easily
what are the main disadvantages of using oil and gas as energy sources?
the world reserves are estimated to be between 50 and 60 years
non renewable - they will run out
the gases released when they are burned are greenhouse gases
oil spills damage the environment and wildlife over large areas
prices fluctuate rapidly
supplies can be affected by conflict and political disagreement e.g the war in Ukraine
define the term renewable energy
it’s energy sources with are infinite and will not run out
list different types of renewable energy
hydroelectric
wave/tidal
wind
solar
geothermal
biomass/waste
what are two reasons for the increase in renewable energy use?
non-renewable fossil fuels will eventually run out
the use of non-renewable fuels is damaging to the environment
reducing reliance on imports to increase energy security
What are the disadvantages of wind power?
not reliable, only works when the wind is strong enough but not too strong
visual pollution
noise pollution
many turbines are needed to produce the same energy as the average coal fired power station
may affect bird migration patterns or kill birds
what are the advantages of hydroelectric power?
No greenhouse gas emissions.
Controls flooding downstream.
Often in sparsely populated areas.
May provide water storage for irrigation and domestic use.
What are the advantages of nuclear energy?
it produces no greenhouse gas emissions
efficient
small amounts of uranium are needed and large reserves are available
it isn’t bulky so it’s easy to transport
reduces reliance on fossil fuels
increases energy security
Why is the use of nuclear energy controversial?
because of the issues surrounding waste disposal and nuclear accidents
including Fukushima, Three mile island and chernobyl
What is the main disadvantage of biomass/waste energy?
it produces air pollution and greenhouse gases
Define the term fuelwood
wood used for heating and cooking, often relied upon by people who don’t have access to other forms of energy
What percentage of the world’s population does not have access to electricity?
Approximately 13%
what are the main advantages of fuelwood?
its free and doesnt require technology to use it
