P1 Energy Resources Flashcards
Define renewable
Can be replenished as it is used
Define reliable
Can consistently be produces and meet demand of consumers
What is coal power?
A non-renewable fossil fuel
How is coal power produced?
Coal is burned in a furnace, water is heated in the boiler to make steam which turns the turbine which turns the generator to produce electricity.
What are pros of coal power?
Lasts longer than gas, reliable, quite cheap, widely available
What are cons of coal power?
Produces the most carbon dioxide and sulphur dioxide, non-renewable
What is nuclear power?
A nuclear reactor uses uranium to produce lots of heat. This heat turns water into steam, which drives a turbine, which drives a generator to produce electricity.
What are pros of nuclear power?
No smoke, reliable, very dense fuel, no extra greenhouse gas emissions, no sulfur dioxide produced
What are cons of nuclear power?
Risk of meltdown, non-renewable, long start up time, highly radioactive waste, risk of explosion, very expenisve
What are pros of wind power?
Renewable, quite cheap
What are cons of wind power?
Noise pollution, harms wildlife, visual pollution, location specific
What are pros of hydroelectric power?
Stores water, tourism, leisure, construction jobs, renewable, reliable, no carbon dioxide or sulfur dioxide
What are cons of hydroelectric power?
Floods a valley, very expensive, location specific, relocates people, can fail
How does hydroelectric power work?
Water flows through a pipe in a dam which turns a turbine which drives a generator to produce electricity.
How does tidal power work?
Turbine spins due to difference in water height.
What are solar photovoltaic cells?
Convert sunlight directly into electricity
What are solar heating panels?
Heat water using sunlight
What are pros of solar power?
Renewable, relatively cheap, no carbon dioxide or sulfur dioxide, low maintenance, stored on batteries
What are cons of solar power?
Not reliable, location specific, lots of land required, few jobs, no land = no power
What are pros of tidal power?
Renewable, reliable
What are cons of tidal power?
Harm and damage to wildlife and habitats, only makes power twice a day, not constant, expensive
How does wave power work?
Movement of waves turns a turbine, driving a generator
What are pros of wave power?
Renewable, quite reliable, construction jobs, no carbon dioxide produced
What are cons of wave power?
Could sink, not 100% reliable, could be damaged by storms, visual pollution