Energy Demands Flashcards
What are energy resources?
Systems that can store large amounts of energy
What are the 9 main energy resources ?
Fossil fuels
Nuclear fuel
Biofuel
Wind power
Hydroelectric
Geothermal
Tidal
Water waves
Solar
Where is energy needed?
Homes
Public services
Factories and farms
Transport
What does burning fossil fuels produce?
Carbon dioxide adding to the greenhouse effect
Sulphur dioxide which causes acid rain
Why is most of the electricity still produced by fossil fuels?
They produce high power output compared to wind and water waves
Machines to extract fossil fuels already exist so it’s cheaper than making new alternatives
Why is nuclear fuel a good alternative to fossil fuels?
It can release large amounts of energy compared to fossil fuels and doesn’t emit carbon dioxide
Why does china rely heavily on fossil fuels?
Heavyset they have a large economy that requires a large power production to keep the industry flowing
How can renewable energy recourses be replenished?
Human action e.g planting new trees
Natural processes e.g water replaced through water cycle
What are the main features of fossil fuels?
Chemical
Non renewable
Used for transport heating and electricity generation
High power output
Releases CO2
What are the features of nuclear fuels?
Nuclear
Non renewable
Used for generating electricity
Very high power output
Produces radioactive waste but no CO2
What are the features of biofuel?
Chemical
Renewable
Used for transport heating and generating electricity
Medium power output
Carbon neutral but have to clear a lot of land for to be produced(forests)
What are the features of wind energy?
Kinetic
Renewable
Used for generating electricity
Very low power output
Takes up farming land and spoils the view
What are the features of hydroelectricity?
Gravitational potential
Renewable
Used for generating electricity
Medium power output
Local habitats are affected by large areas that are flooded by dams
What are the features of geothermal?
Thermal
Renewable
Used for generating electricity and heating
Medium power output
Low environmental impact
What are the features of tidal energy?
Kinetic
Renewable
Used for generating electricity
Potentially very high but hard to harness power output
Tidal barrages can block sewage
