Generating Electricity Flashcards
In some power stations, what’s used to heat water?
An energy source
What does the steam produced do?
Drives a turbine that is coupled to an electrical generator
What are the 3 energy sources that are used to heat water?
Fossil fuels, biofuels, uranium/ plutonium
How do fossil fuels heat water?
Burned to heat water or air
How do uranium and plutonium heat water?
They release energy from nuclear fission
How do biofuels heat water?
They are burned
Which 2 energy sources drive turbines directly?
Water (waves, tides, hydroelectric) and wind
Electricity can be produce directly from the…
Sun’s radiation
Which way of generating electricity uses the sun’s radiation?
Solar cells
Where can geothermal energy be used?
Volcanic areas
How does geothermal energy work?
Hot water and steam rise to the surface, the steam can be tapped and used to drive turbines
Give 2 examples of when small-scale production of electricity may be useful
Hydroelectricity is remote areas, solar cells for roadside signs
Although small-scale production of electricity is useful, what is it sometimes uneconomic to connect it to?
The national grid
To prevent carbon dioxide building up in the atmosphere we can…
Catch and store it (carbon capture)
What are some of the best natural containers for storing carbon dioxide?
Old oil and gas fields- such as under the North Sea
