Energy and the national electricity grid Flashcards
How is electricity generated
A copper coil is moved through a magnetic field
A magnet can also be rotated within a wire coil
What is the process of electricity generation using a magnet known as
Electromagnetic induction
What are the 5 types of power stations
Coal Nuclear Hydroelectric Wind Solar
How does a coal burning power station generate electricity
Coal is burnt to produce heat
Heat is used to boil water
Boiling water produces steam that is used to turn blades of a turbine
Turbine is attached to the shaft of a generator, causing the generator to turn
The generator moves large magnets within wire coils (Electromagnetic induction)
Steam is cooled using cooling towers. The condensed water is re-used
What are the 3 advantages of coal power stations
Coal is cheap
Coal is easily transported
Costs of building coal power stations is low
What are the 4 disadvantages of coal power stations
Releases greenhouse gases when burned
The non-metal oxides cause acid rain when dissolved in water vapor
Pollutes the atmosphere and earth’s surface
Coal is non-renewable
How do nuclear power stations differ from coal burning power stations
Primary source is either uranium or plutonium
Energy is obtained via nuclear fission
What are 4 advantages of nuclear power stations
A large amount of energy is produced from small quantities of fuel
No greenhouse gases are produced
Cheap to maintain once built
Can be considered renewable as only small quantities of fuel is required
What are the 5 disadvantages of nuclear power stations
Expensive to build
Produces radioactive waste which is difficult and expensive to dispose of
There is a risk of disaster such as a nuclear meltdown
Risk of cancer
Can also be considered non-renewable as there is a limited fuel supply
What are the 3 renewable energy sources
Hydroelectric
Wind
Solar
What are the 4 advantages of hydroelectric power plants
Most reliable form of renewable energy
Lasts a long time
Produces large amounts of energy
No greenhouse gases or acid rain is produced
What are the 5 disadvantages of hydroelectric power plants
Expensive to build
Takes a long time to build
Dependent on a constant of supply of water
Dam walls can burst
Limited amount of reservoirs can be built as suitable space can be limited
What are 3 advantages of wind power
Renewable source of energy
Low operating costs
Can be used to charge batteries in remote areas
What are 7 disadvantages of wind power
Expensive to construct Dependent on constant wind supply Can cause noise pollution Can be an eye-sore Can kill birds Has to be a group of turbines Space and location can be a problem
4 advantages of solar power
Renewable
Can meet electrical needs of a house
Low maintenance costs
Can be used to charge a battery for use at night
