Energy Resources Flashcards
What is the job of energy?
Energy powers our homes, industries and transport systems. Some countries have a surplus of energy and others have a deficit. Energy is traded to even this out.
What are the two different types of ways to produce energy?
Renewable and non-renewable
What are non-renewable energy resources?
Non-renewable energy resources cannot be replaced and so they will eventually run out. Examples include fossil fuels (coal, oil and gas) and nuclear power.
What effect do non-renewables have on the planet?
When fossil fuels are burned they creates heat, but also releases carbon dioxide which adds to greenhouse gases and contributes to climate change
What are the advantages and disadvantages of non-renewables?
Advantages:
1)Fossil fuels have been used for many years and so they are easy to use.
2)They generate large amounts of energy relatively cheaply.
Disadvantages:
1)Burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide, adding to global warming.
2)The UK is dependent on prices set by other countries.
What is nuclear power and what are its advantages and disadvantages?
Nuclear power uses uranium as a fuel.
Advantages:
1)Small amounts of uranium produce lots of energy.
2)Once up and running, it is cheap to produce electricity.
3)Carbon emissions are low.
Disadvantages:
1)Accidents involving nuclear power are highly dangerous and can cause loss of life. They can also have long lasting affects.
2)The waste from nuclear power is dangerous and so expensive to store.
What are renewable energy resources?
Renewable energy sources can be replaced quickly. Examples include wind power, hydroelectric power (HEP), and solar energy.
What is wind power and what are its advantages and disadvantages?
Wind power uses turbines to harness the power of the wind, which does not generate carbon emissions.
Advantages:
1)Wind power does not generate carbon emissions.
2)The land beneath turbines can be used for other things.
Disadvantages:
1)Wind power can only be used when the wind blows.
2)Some people think turbines spoil views and make a noise.
What is hydroelectric power (HEP) and what are its advantages and disadvantages?
Hydroelectric power (HEP) uses dams to trap water, which can be used to turn turbines.
Advantages:
1)Hydroelectric power does not generate carbon emissions.
2)Dams can reduce flood risk and water shortages.
Disadvantages:
1)Dams are expensive to build.
2)Large areas of land are flooded.
What is solar energy and what are its advantages and disadvantages?
Energy released from the Sun is transferred into electricity.
Advantages:
1)Solar energy does not generate carbon emissions.
2)Solar panels can be placed on houses allowing households to become more energy secure.
Disadvantages:
1)Advance costs can be expensive.
Equipment needs regular maintenance.
2)Manufacturing of panels requires fossil fuels to be used.
3)Habitats can be damaged with solar panel farms.
