Energy Resources (Chapter P3) Flashcards
Mainly how are energy demands met
Burning oil, coal and gas
What are the other ways energy demands are met
Nuclear power, biofuels and renewable energy
What is a biofuel
A fuel taken from living or recently living organisms
How do power stations work
In most gas, oil and coal stations the fuel heats up water in a boiler
This produces steam, and the steam drives a turbine that turns an electrical generator
How is biofuel renewable
Because it is a biological source which either regrows or continually produced
How is biofuel carbon-neutral
Because the carbon dioxide taken in by the organism is the same amount that is released when it is burnt
What is used in nuclear power stations
Uranium or Plutonium
These release much more energy per kilogram than fossil fuels
Where does power come from for renewable energy
The wind and water
How does wind power work
The wind turns a turbine connected to a generator, when it turns the generator turns producing power
How does wave power work
The waves make a floating generator move up and down causing the generator to turn and produce power.
How does hydroelectric power work
A reservoir collects water when it rains, this then flows downwards driving a turbine that turns electrical generators.
How does tidal power work
The stations trap each high tide, this is then released into the sea and turns turbines connected to generators.
What are solar heating panels
They use the Sun’s energy to heat water which can then be used to generate electricity.
What are solar cells
They are flat, solid cells that generate electricity directly from the sun’s energy
How does Geothermal energy work
Water is pumped deep underground and is heated by the energy transferred by radioactive substances. This produces steam and drives turbines connected to generators.
