Energy Production

Question 1

Electricity can be generated using renewable sources, outline why electricity is a secondary energy source

Answer 1

it is produced by transforming a primary energy source

Question 2

Electricity can be generated using renewable sources, some fuels are renewable outline what is meant by renewable

Answer 2

it cannot be used up

Question 3

state what is meant by a fuel

Answer 3

A source of energy

Question 4

State 2 examples of fossil fuels

Answer 4

Coal, gas or oil

Question 5

Explain why fossil furl are said to be non-renewable

Answer 5

they are used up at a much faster rate than they are produced therefore they will run out.

Question 6

The formula for finding efficiency

Answer 6

Useful output / total input

Question 7

suggest 3 reasons for widespread use of fossil fuel

Answer 7

1. high specific energy OR high energy density
2. readily available
3. cheap method of producing electricity
   4.power stations can be built close to fuel source
4. coal is easy to transport

Question 8

explain what is meant in this context by energy degradation

Answer 8

thermal energy that is lost to the surroundings and so it can no longer produce useful work

Question 9

Discuss one advantage and disadvantage of using nuclear power production compared to coal-fired power production.

Answer 9

Advantage:
Nuclear power does not produce CO2 while coal-fired power does
Uranium has a much larger specific energy than coal so a smaller mass of fuel is needed
Disadvantage:
Nuclear power produces radioactive waste while coal does not
can lead to radioactive contamination while coal does not