Energy Resources

Question 1

Renewable energy

Answer 1

A source that will never deplenish and run out in the foreseeable future.

Question 2

Non-renewable energy

Answer 2

A source that will eventually run out.

Question 3

Fossil Fuels (coal, oil and natural gas)

Answer 3

Advantage: quite cheap + very concentrated.
Disadvantage: Supplies limited + pollution-CO2 and other waste gases.

Question 4

Nuclear fuels

Answer 4

Nuclei of uranium atoms are split (fission) and energy is released.
Advantages: Much more energy out of small amount + it is carbon neutral.
Disadvantages: Waste very dangerous and is radioactive for 1000s of yrs. Plants are expensive.

Question 5

Hydroelectric energy

Answer 5

A river fills a lake behind a dam + water flowing down from lake turns generator.
Advantages: Renewable-rainwater. No pollution. Disadvantages: Expensive to build + unsuitable.

Question 6

Tidal energy

Answer 6

As tide goes in and out it turns generators.
Advantages: Renewable, pollution free.
Disadvantages: Expensive + has to be on a coast.

Question 7

Wind Energy

Answer 7

Advantages: Renewable, pollution free.
Disadvantages: Variable wind speeds, turbines disrupt landscape.

Question 8

Wave Energy

Answer 8

Advantages: Renewable, pollution free.
Disadvantages: Difficult to build + rarely successful.

Question 9

Biofuels

Answer 9

Made from plant or animal matter or wood alcohol or methane gas.
Advantages: Reuse methane and energy which would otherwise be wasted.
Disadvantages: Huge areas of land needed to grow plants.