Energy Resources (mr J Stuff) Flashcards
What factors contribute to the increasing demands for energy
The growing population, industrialisation, urbanisation and technological advancements are driving factors contributing to the increasing demands for energy
How does energy production impact the environment
Energy production can have various environmental impacts including air and water pollution habitat destruction greenhouse gas emissions leading to climate change and the depletion of natural resources
What are some significant challenges or controversies surrounding energy production and consumption
Key issues include the transition to renewable energy sources energy security geopolitical tensions over energy resources as well as addressing environmental concerns and climate change effects
How does geothermal energy work
Thermal energy from hot rocks underground can be used to generate energy water is pumped down to the rocks through a pipeline which returns to the surface as steam, which is used to rotate a turbine, connected to a generator, which is used to generate electricity
Where is geothermal energy found
Deep underground
Advantages and disadvantages of geothermal energy
Advantages = renewable, no pollution
Disadvantages = very few places where you can do this and its very expensive
How does solar energy work
The electromagnetic waves emmited by the sun (eg light) transfer energy to the earth. Solar cells absorb these waves and create an electric current without a generator. Some solar cells use heat from the sun to boil water, create steam and rotate a turbine, which turns a generator
Where is solar energy found
Sun
Advantages and disadvantages of solar energy
Advantages = renewable, no pollution
Disadvantages = expensive , only works when sunny
How does wind energy work
Wind flows over the blades creating lift (similar to the effect on airplane wings) which causes the blades to turn. The blades are connected to a drive shaft that turns an electric generator which produces electricity
Where is wind energy found
Windy places
Advantages and disadvantages of wind energy
Advantages= renewable, cheap
Disadvantages = noisy , only works when quite windy
Define renewable
Renewable energy is energy that is derived from natural sources that are replenished at a higher rate than they are consumed
How does wave energy work
The turbines have a chamber that fills with water when a wave hits it. Water rushes in and pushes air out of the chamber, through a turbine. This turns the turbine blades which powers a generator and it is this that generates the electricity
Where is wave energy found
The sea
Advantages and disadvantages of wave energy
Advantages = renewable, no pollution
Disadvantages = lots of expensive machines needed, damaged easily by storms
How does tidal energy work
Tidal energy is created using the movement of our tides and oceans, where the intensity of the water from the rise and fall of tides is a form of kinetic energy which can be converted to electrical energy
Where is tidal energy found
The sea
Advantages and disadvantages of tidal energy
Advantages = cheap to run
Disadvantages = disturbs migration of living creatures in the ocean, impacting surrounding ecosystems, expensive to build
How does hydroelectric energy work
A conventional dam holds water in a man made lake or reservoir, behind it. When water is released through the dam it spins a turbine connected to a generator that produces electricity
Where is hydroelectric energy found
rivers
Advantages and disadvantages of hydroelectric energy
Advantages = no pollution, can meet peak electricity demand
Disadvantages = alot of money to build, dam could cause flooding
How does biomass energy work
Biomass uses waste from plants or animals that can be converted to energy, biomass is burned in a boiler to produce high pressure steam. This steam flows over a series of turbine blades, causing them to rotate. The rotation of the turbine drives a generator producing electricity
Where is biomass found
In plants or organic matter
Advantages and disadvantages of biomass energy
Advantages = renewable, reliable
Disadvantages = large area of land needed to grow enough trees, raise animals, still releases greenhouse gases
Define non renweable
A finite resource, it cannot be recreated or reused, some fuels are non renewable, the most commonly used are fossil fuels
What is biofuel
A fuel derived immediately from living matter
What is the national grid
A system of power plants, transmission lines, and substations that deliver electricity to homes and businesses across the country
What is a base load
The minimum level of electricity required by the national grid over a period of 24 hours
What energy source typically provides the base load
Nuclear plants or coal fired power plants
How is nuclear energy produced
Nuclear fission, the heat produced during atomic fission boils water and produces pressurised steam the steam spins large turbine blades that drive generators to produce electricity
