Energy and Society Flashcards
The many different types of energy can be grouped into two major forms of energy. Using example describe the TWO major forms of energy.
Potential energy is mechanical or stored energy possessed by an object due to its position or internal stress. Since water stored in a dam is at a greater hight in relation to the ground it possesses potential energy.
Kinetic energy is energy an object has because of its motion. If you were to accelerate a moving car, force is applied to the gas pedal. The application of that force requires work which transfers energy to the car causing it to move with new constant speed.
What is the nature of the relationship between potential and kinetic energy?
Both potential and kinetic energy are forms of mechanical energy which are interrelated in the context motion.
Potential energy can be converted into kinetic energy and vice versa depending on the object’s position and motion. If an object falls under the influence of gravity, its potential energy decreases and its kinetic energy increases.
Energy conservation continues to be an important issue for society. Explain what is meant by the term ‘energy conservation’
Energy conservation refers to the prevention of the wasteful use of energy to ensure its continued availability.
Comment on why society should be concerned about conserving energy and suggest one way in which society can contribute to global energy conservation.
Currently the main sources of energy worldwide stem from non- renewable sources such as fossil fuels. This type of energy runs out quickly and cannot be replaced. It is also harmful to the environment as it causes acid rain and produces greenhouse gases which contribute to climate change.
Society can contribute to global energy conservation buy unplugging electronics when not in use, carpooling and riding bikes, plant trees around your home to regulate temperatures which limits the amount of electricity and thus energy used which not only benefits persons financially but is also better for the environment.
Renewable energies are set to account for almost 95% of the increase in global power capacity in the next few years. Referencing a named renewable energy source, explain, giving three reasons, the importance of using renewable energy in the Caribbean region.
Renewable energy is energy which is environmentally friendly and can be quickly replace itself.
Solar Energy is a source of renewable energy which is generated from the sun and can be converted into electricity through solar cells.
This type of energy is important in the Caribbean Region because:
1. Reliability
2. Continual source of energy
3. low cost operation
Energy is a fundamental concept in science and plays an essential part in our daily lives. Explain the scientific concept of energy.
Energy is needed to any type of work requiring force. It cannot be created or destroyed, it can only change from one form to another without changing the total amount of energy.
The physical process that produces energy from atoms involves fission and fusion.
Fission occurs when larger heavier atoms which are the smallest unit of matter are split into nuclei of two smaller lighter atoms accompanied by the release of energy.
Fusion is a thermonuclear reaction in which the nuclei of two lighter atoms join to form a larger heavier atom.
The Caribbean region has enormous potential for making a substantial transition to renewable energy.
Using an example, explain what is meant by the term ‘renewable energy’.
Renewable energy is an energy source that is a natural resource and can be replenished or can replace itself quicky and dependably. This type of energy is sustainable meaning that it meets the need of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Eg. wave energy- tremendous energy is produced when waves form as wind blows over the surface of open water in oceans and lakes.
Renewable sources of energy are important because it:
1. reduced GHG emissions and reduced the effect of global warming and climate change.
2. Reduce air and water pollution.
3. Creates a wide range of employment opportunities and other economic benefits.
4. Helps keep energy prices stable, thus helping energy security.
Giving two reasons, referencing named Caribbean countries, explain why the Caribbean region is regarded as a good place to develop renewable energy resources.
The Caribbean regions rich potential for solar and wind energy makes it an attractive location for the development of sustainable and environmentally friendly energy solutions.
Solar resource: Jamaica and Barbados
High levels of consistent and intense solar insolation make the region a good place to develop solar energy.
Wind resource: Dominican Republic and Cuba
located in areas with strong and consistent trade winds. These winds create favourable conditions for the development of wind energy project.
Bauxite mining, which require relatively low energy inputs, is a thriving industry for few Caribbean countries. However there are some concerns about the negative impacts on the environment associated with the mining process.
identify giving a brief explanation three major environmental impacts of bauxite mining industry in the Caribbean region.
Environmental impacts of the bauxite mining industry include:
1. Deforestation and habitat disruption due to the clearing of large areas of tropical forests to access bauxite deposits resulting in the loss of biodiversity and disruption of various plant and animal species contributing to environmental degradation.
- Air and water pollution due to the extraction process of bauxite which releases dust and pollutants impacting air quality and potentially causing respiratory issues for nearby communities. Runoff from mining activities may contaminate water sources with sedimentation and chemical pollutants affecting aquatic ecosystems and local water quality.
- Land Degradation and altered topography due to the mining process. the removal of vegetation and topsoil can result in erosion, reduced soil fertility and changes in the natural drainage petters, adversely affecting a healthy ecosystem.
Referencing one Caribbean country, comment on one measure that is being implemented to address the negative impacts on the environment associated with the bauxite mining process.
In Jamaica:
rehabilitation programs aimed at restoring mined areas to a more natural state. companies are required to rehabilitate the land by reforesting, restoring topsoil and implementing erosion control measures. These efforts help mitigate the environmental impacts by promoting ecosystem recovery and support biodiversity, sustainable development.
The Caribbean is fortunate to have an abundance of clean energy resources. Explain what is meant by the term ‘clean energy’. Comment on one clean energy resource which is in use in the region.
Clean energy is renewable energy.
SOLAR wind and hydroelectric energy being used in the Caribbean.
It has been suggested that by the end of the 21st century, non-renewable energy will be past its dominance as the major source of energy.
Give a brief description of the term non-renewable energy and give ONE
advantage and ONE disadvantage of its use.
non- renewable energy is energy that cannot be replaced quickly.
Pro:
1. it can be found in large amounts
2. reliable source of energy
3. widely available and affordable
Con:
1. produced acid rain and other climate events
2. contributes to climate change because it produces greenhouse gases
3. cannot be revitalized or replaced.
Why did SIDS need to be free of dependence on fossil fuels to meet their energy needs.
- Energy Security
the reliance make them susceptible to fluctuations in global energy prices. - Economic Diversification and Stability
Stimulates economic growth and enhances stability for SIDS by creating jobs, attract investments. - Affordability
importation of fossil fuels are have high costs due to transportation and logistics. the transition to locally available, renewable energy sources can lead to cost savings over time, making energy more affordable for both government and consumers,
Describe two Major areas of energy consumption in the Caribbean tourism industry
- Hospitality facilities and accommodations
heating, ventilation and air conditioning, lighting, water heating, appliances contribute to the demand for energy and its consumption - transportation services
ground transport, airport operations, marine activities contribute to the overall energy footprint of tourist industry
Distinguish between the terms energy conservation and energy efficiency.
Referencing the caribbean region identify one large scale measure being used or proposed by governments to promote energy efficiency.
Energy efficiency focuses on improving the levels of energy output.
Barbados implemented energy efficient lighting programmes to promote energy efficiency. transition from incandescent bulbs to LED’s
LED street lighting
public awareness campaigns
incentive programmes
