Energy ressources - Atmosphere

Question 1

Describe wind energy.

Pros and cons?

Answer 1

Energy that can be drawn from the wind.

Pros:

• Renewable
• Does not emit GHGs

Cons:

• Disturbs birds
• Ruins beauty of landscapes
• Noisy/Sound pollution
• Energy cannot be stored
• Speed of wind is unpredictable

Question 2

How is wind energy captured?

Answer 2

Wind turbines (huge machines with gigantic blades)

When the wind hits these blades, they turn and activate an electric generator hidden in the nacelle

Question 3

Describe solar radiation/solar power is used for energy

Answer 3

Nuclear reactions that transform H->He. This process produces energy which is dispersed as radiation through the atmosphere

Question 4

Describe passive heating systems

Pros and cons?

Answer 4

Positioning a house to maximize the heat and light from the sun. This naturally heats the air.

Pros:
- Renewable

Cons:
- $ to change

Question 5

Describe photovoltaic cells (solar panels).

Pro and cons?

Answer 5

Sunlight hits the material which allows electrons to move = electric current

Pros:
- Clean

Cons:
- Storage of energy (when cloudy)

Question 6

Describe solar collectors.

Pros and cons?

Answer 6

Glass panels that capture heat to warm up the air, homes or pools

Pros:
- Once in, almost free

Cons:
- UGLY