Energy Sources (Y11 - Autumn 2)

Question 1

Where Do Our Energy Sources Come From?

Answer 1

• Solar Power
• Wind Power
• Hydroelectric Power
• Fossil Fuels: Coal/Oil/ Natural Gas Power Stations
• Tidal Power
• Geothermal Power
• Biomass
• Fracking
• Wave Power

Question 2

What are Fossil Fuels

Answer 2

Fossil fuels are fuels that are from from the fossilised remains of plants and animals over millions of years. They are extracted through mining and drilling and they are a finite resource, although they are realiable when generation electrcity.

Question 3

How are Fossil Fuels to produce energy

Answer 3

Fossil fuels can be burned to superheat water under pressure, which in turn, drives turbines.

Question 4

What is Fracking?

Answer 4

Fracking involves drilling into layers of shale rock deep in the earth to release pockets of gas.

Question 5

How do Photovoltaic Cells Work

Answer 5

Light photons hit the PV cells which allows electrons to flow, creating an electric current. The technology and efficiency of them have improved over the years.

Question 6

How does Tidal Energy Work?

Answer 6

The rise and fall of the tide forces water through turbines which drive generators to produce electricity.

Question 7

How Does Biomass Work

Answer 7

Biofuel and biomass are created from organic matter which is burned to generate power.

Question 8

What is the main drawback of Nuclear Energy

Answer 8

Nuclear power accounts for over 11% of the world’s electrcity. The nuclear waste is radioactive and have to be stored in concrete bunkers for hundreds of years. Nuclear power provides abundant, reliable supply of clean energy. However, when nuclear power plants go wrong, there are catastrophic consequences (e.g chernobyl)

Question 9

Biomass Advantages

Answer 9

• Clean, renewable energy
• Carbon dioxide is released in the process and can be reused by plants
• Replacement plants can be grown very quickly to ensure good supply

Question 10

Biomass Disadvantages

Answer 10

• Creates atmospheric pollution when burned

- Land uses for energy crops may be need for other purposes like agriculture

Question 11

Wind Turbine Advantages

Answer 11

• Low Mainatinece
• Clean Energy
• Higher Winter Output
• Low Cost Energy

Question 12

Disadvantages of Wind Turbines

Answer 12

• Only Work When Windy
• Eyesore To Some
• Hazards To Birds
• Noisy

Question 13

How does Solar Heating work?

Answer 13

Solar Heating

Water flows through the tubes, and the heat from the sun is transferred to the water.

Question 14

Solar Heating Advantages

Answer 14

• Clean, renewable energy source

- Reduces household energy bills

Question 15

Solar Heating Disadvantages

Answer 15

• Some people think they’re an eyesore
• Costs a lot to install
• Only works well in the day under good sunlight

Question 16

Tidal Energy Advanatges

Answer 16

• Not Visible

- Renewable

Question 17

Tidal Energy Disadvantages

Answer 17

• Danger To The Marine Life

- Only Effective a certain times of the day (high tide)

Question 18

What is Hydroelectric Power

Answer 18

Hydroelectric Power is a controllable energy source. The set-up costs are financially and environmentally expensive

Question 19

Advantages of Hydroelectric Power (Dams)

Answer 19

• Clean, renewable energy source
• Valves can be opened quickly to produce energy at peak times
• No pollution when running it

Question 20

Disadvantages of Hydroelectric Power (Dams)

Answer 20

• Construction is expensive
• Objections from people in the surrounding environment
• Affects the wildlife by flooding the valley.

Question 21

Advantages of Photovoltaic Cells

Answer 21

• Low Mainatinence
• Clean Energy
• Relatively Low Cost

Question 22

Disadvantages of Photovoltaic Cells

Answer 22

• Seasonal Flucuations
• No Power Generated At Night
• Complex Positioning Issues