National and global energy resources - Topic 1

Question 1

What is meant by a non-renewable energy resources?

Answer 1

Energy resources that will run out and cannot be replenished.

Question 2

Give an example of a non-renewable energy resource.

Answer 2

Fossil fuels: oil, coal, gas
Nuclear power (uranium, plutonium)

Question 3

What is meant by a renewable energy resource?

Answer 3

Energy resources that will never run out or can be replenished as they are used

Question 4

State 5 examples of renewable energy resources.

Answer 4

Solar power
Wind turbines
Tidal power
Hydroelectric power
Geothermal energy
Biomass

Question 5

State three ways that energy resources can be used.

Answer 5

· For heating
· For transport
· For electricity generation

Question 6

What is the environmental impact of using fossil fuels?

Answer 6

Burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide, which contributes to global warming?

Question 7

What is the environmental impact of using nuclear fuels?

Answer 7

Nuclear power produces dangerous radioactive waste, which must be stored for securely for a long time

Question 8

Explain why tidal power can be used to produce electricity reliably.

Answer 8

The tides rise and fall every day, so large amounts of water always move in and out of river estuaries

Question 9

Describe the environmental impacts of hydroelectric power stations.

Answer 9

A lake must be formed to store a large amount of water and as a result:
· Habitats are destroyed
· Farmland is lost

Question 10

Give one advantage of hydroelectric power.

Answer 10

Energy can be stored (as gravitational potential of the water) and water can be released at times of high demand for electricity

Question 11

Explain why wind power may be considered an unreliable energy resource.

Answer 11

It cannot produce electricity constantly; if the wind is too light, little power is produced.