P1.4 Flashcards
How is most electricity generated?
Using power station which turn water into steam
Name some energy sources for power stations?
- Fossil Fuels (coal, oil, natural gas)
- nuclear fission (the nuclei of uranium or plutonium atoms split up, releasing a lot of energy.
- Biofuels (fuels obtained from organisms, such as wood, straw, ethanol, oil palm, gas from rotting waste)
What is wrong with using power stations?
- Accidents in nuclear power are rare but very costly
- Nuclear power stations are expensive to build and very expensive to close down
Explain how wind turbines are renewable sources of energy and some advantages and disadvantages.
Wind turbines drive electricity generators.
they are expensive because of the huge number needed.
Using wind is unreliable as it does not always blow.
The turbines require little maintence
Explain how hydroelectricity is renewable sources of energy and some advantages and disadvantages.
Falling water from reservoirs or rivers turns turbines to run generators.
It is fairly reliable source because rainwater can be stored and used when needed.
Dams are very expensive to build.
Explain how tide energy is renewable sources of energy and some advantages and disadvantages.
Sea water can be trapped behind a barrage at high tide and used to to turn turbines.
Tidal currents can also be used to turn turbines placed underwater.
The tides are predictable and reliable.
The barrages are very expensive to construct.
Explain how wave energy is renewable sources of energy and some advantages and disadvantages.
The rise and fall of waves is used to turn turbines.
The height of waves is unpredictable
The machinery needed has not been tested to see how much maintenance is needed.
Explain how Geothermal energy is renewable sources of energy and some advantages and disadvantages.
In some volcanic areas hot water and steam from deep underground can be used to drive turbines.
The energy is available whenever it is needed.
There are not many sites where it is available.
Explain how using solar power is renewable sources of energy and some advantages and disadvantages.
Solar cells turn sunlight directly into electricity. The cells are fitted to roofs or set up in fields to form solar farms.
Solar cells are expensive.
They only turn about 20% of the sun’s energy into electricity.
They only work in daytime and when the sky is clear.
They need very little maintenance
Can be used almost anywhere.
What is an environmental effect of using coal mines, oil rigs, power stations and wind farms?
Coal mines, oil rigs, power stations and wind farms are thought to by some people to be visual pollution.
What is an environmental effect of burning solid fuels?
Burning solid fuels (coal wood) produces ash, which must be disposed of.
BURNING BIOFUELS DOES NOT CONTRIBUTE AS MUCH AS FOSSIL FUELS TO GLOBAL WARMING.
What method of using energy resources causes natural habitats to be destroyed?
Habitats can be destroyed by mining and oil and gas collection. farming biofuels destroys natural habitats. Hydroelectric schemes and tidal barrages can cause habitats to be damaged.
Name a energy resource that has the disadvantage of noise pollution?
Wind farms and mines can be considered noisy.
What is an environmental effect of burning fuels?
Burning fuels releases pollutants into the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide contributes to global warming and climate change. Other substances cause acid rain.
What is the national grid and what does it do?
In the UK, the national grid distributes electricity from power stations to consume.
