Energy Generation Flashcards

1
Q

What are fossil fuels

A
  • Fossil fuels are formed from the fossilised remains of plants and animals over millions of years
  • Coal, oil and gas are extracted through mining and drilling
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2
Q

How are fossil fuels used to generate energy

A

Fossil fuels can be burned to superheat water under pressure, which in turn, drives turbines, this kinetic energy is then used to generate electricity.

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3
Q

What is fracking?

A

• Fracking involves drilling into layers of shale rock deep in the earth to release pockets of gas
• Water, sand and chemicals are injected into a well in order to force gas back up

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4
Q

What are the disadvantages of fossil fuels

A
  • a finite resource
  • releases CO2 into atmosphere, causing climate change
  • mining process is also often negative for the environment
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5
Q

What are the renewable alternatives to fossil fuels

A

• Wind
• Solar
• Tidal
• Biomass
• Hydroelectric

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6
Q

What are the positives of wind turbines

A
  • low maintenance
  • clean energy
  • Higher winter output (when energy is needed most for heating)
  • low energy cost
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7
Q

What are the negatives of wind turbines?

A
  • only work when windy
  • eyesore to some
  • hazard to birds
  • noise
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8
Q

How do Photovoltaic cells work (solar energy)?

A

Light photons hit the PV cell which allows electrons to flow, creating an electric current

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9
Q

What are the advantages of using PV cells to harness solar power?

A
  • low maintenance
  • clean energy
  • relatively low-cost
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10
Q

What are thedisadvantages of using PV cells to harness solar power?

A
  • seasonal fluctuations
  • No power generated at night
  • complex positioning issues
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11
Q

How does tidal energy work?

A

The rise and fall of the tide forces water through
turbines which drive generators to produce electricity

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12
Q

What are the advantages of Hydroelectric power (HEP)?

A

Hydroelectric power is a very reliable and controllable energy source

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13
Q

What are the disadvantages of Hydroelectric power (HEP)?

A

• The set-up costs are financially and environmentally expensive
• Vast areas need to be flooded to create reservoirs
- these reservoirs displace people and animals living in the local area.
- larger reservoirs can potentially increase the risk of earthquakes if placed near a plate boundery

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14
Q

What is biomass and how does it generate power?

A

Biofuel and biomass are created from organic matter which is burned to generate power

• Biomass fuels include food and farm waste, compost and wood chips or compressed pellets

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15
Q

Why is biomass considered to be carbon neutral?

A

Because the carbon released is the same amount as the carbon absorbed by the biomass.

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