Mains Electricity Flashcards
Give four examples of non-renewable energy
Coal,
Oil,
Natural gas,
Nuclear fuels.
Examples of renewable energy
Wind, Waves, Tides, Hydroelectric, Solar, Geothermal, Food, Biofuels.
Pros and Cons of renewable energy
Pros:
They will never run out,
Less damage to environment than non-renewable,
Cons:
Don’t provide as much energy,
Unreliable.
How are energy sources burned to drive turbines in power stations?
Fossil fuel is burned to convert its stored chemical energy into heat energy.
The heat energy is used to heat water to produce steam.
The steam turns a turbine, converting heat energy into kinetic energy.
The turbine is connected to a generator, which transfers kinetic energy into electrical energy.
What is the difference between steam generators and nuclear reactors?
A nuclear power station is similar to a generator except the heat to make the steam is created by nuclear fission of uranium or plutonium.
How can you use wind as a renewable energy source?
This involves putting lots of windmills up in exposed places like on moors or round coasts.
Each wind turbine has its own generator inside it.
The electricityis generated directly from the wind turning the blades which turn the generator.
Pros and cons of wind turbines
Pros:
Theres no pollution,
No fuel costs and minimal running costs,
No permanent damage.
Cons: Spoil the view, Very noisy, No power when wind stops, Initial costs are high.
Explain how wind and water generate energy?
Water and wind can be used to drive turbines directly.
How do solar panels produce electricity?
Electricity can be produced directly from the Sun’s radiation.
Pros and cons of solar energy
Pros:
No pollution,
Although initial costs are high, but energy is free and very low running costs.
Very reliable source of energy.
Cons:
Only works in the daytime.
Expensive at first.
What effects does different energy resources have on the environment.
The release of substances into the atmosphere
The production of waste materials
Noise and visual pollution
The destruction of wildlife habitats.
What is geothermal energy?
Hot water and steam from deep underground can be used to drive turbines: this is called geothermal energy.
Advantages and disadvantages of geothermal energy
Advantages:
Geothermal energy is a renewable energy resource and there are no fuel costs. No harmful polluting gases are produced.
Disadvantages:
Most parts of the world do not have suitable areas where geothermal energy can be exploited.
What is carbon capture?
Carbon capture and storage is a way to prevent carbon dioxide building up in the atmosphere.
How does carbon capture work?
Collecting the carbon dioxide from power stations before it is released into the atmosphere.
The captured carbon dioxide can then be pumped into empty gas fields and oil fields, its safely stored without it adding to the greenhouse effect.
