Energy, Fossil Fuels and Renewable Energy

Question 1

What is energy and what are its units? (2)

Answer 1

Energy is the ability to do work. Its units are joules.

Question 2

List the 8 main forms of energy and can explain them, including gravitational potential energy and elastic potential energy. (8)

Answer 2

Electric - potential energy due to or stored in electric fields

Magnetic - potential energy due to or stored in magnetic fields

Gravitational - potential energy due to or stored in gravitational fields

Chemical - potential energy due to chemical bonds

Nuclear - potential energy that binds nucleons to form the atomic nucleus (and nuclear reactions)

Elastic - potential energy due to the deformation of a material (or its container) exhibiting a restorative force as it returns to its original shape

Sound wave - kinetic and potential energy in a material due to a sound propagated wave (a particular type of mechanical wave)

Thermal - kinetic energy of the microscopic motion of particles, a kind of disordered equivalent of mechanical energy

Question 3

What is the law of conservation of energy? (2)

Answer 3

Energy cannot be created or destroyed - it can only be transferred from one type to another.

Question 4

Show how energy can be transferred from one form to another. (2) (Any good example)

Answer 4

Fuel (chemical energy) can be transferred to heat (thermal energy) in the form of a kettle.

Question 5

Distinguish between and describe; conduction, convection, and radiation. (3)

Answer 5

Conduction is:
The transfer of heat through a material by transferring kinetic energy from one particle to another.
Convection is:
The transfer of heat energy through a moving liquid or gas.
Radiation is:
Energy carried by particles from a radioactive substance, or spreading out from a source.

Question 6

Distinguish between a renewable and non-renewable source of energy. (2)

Answer 6

A non-renewable energy resource is one with a finite amount. It will eventually run out when all reserves have been used up.
A renewable energy resource is one that is being (or can be) replenished as it is used.

Question 7

List an example of renewable energy and describe how it can benefit the environment. (2)

Answer 7

Solar panels, for example, use the sun’s energy and can replenish themselves as long as the sun shines, so they are very reliable. They are also compact and relatively cheap, so can easily be added to a home’s existing power source.

Question 8

Define a fossil fuel, how it is formed and give an example. (2) (Any good example)

Answer 8

Coal is a fossil fuel, which is non-renewable/non-replenishable. It is formed over long periods of time by compressing dead animal/plant matter.