P2 Energy Resources Flashcards
what happens if a material has a high thermal conductivity?
there is a higher rate of energy transfer by conduction over the material
what does cavity wall insulation do to a wall?
reduces the overall thermal conductivity of the wall so the rate of energy transfer is lower.
How do double glazed windows reduce the loss of thermal energy?
they trap air between the layers of glass so the window has a lower thermal conductivity
what does loft insulation prevent from happening?
energy being lost by convection through the roof due to its low thermal conductivity
what reduces the rate of energy transfer when building a house?
construction the building with materials with low thermal conductivity
what is energy used for?
transport
generating electricity
heating
what are the three main fossil fuels?
coal
oil
gas
what are the advantages of fossil fuels?
reliable - they provide energy when we need it
release lots of energy
abundant and relatively cheap
versatile
what are some disadvantages of fossil fuels?
releases carbon dioxide - contributes to climate change
non-renewable - are not replenished so will run out
releases other pollutants - sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides
is nuclear power renewable or non renewable?
non renewable
they run on the elements uranium or plutonium which will run out
what are some advantages to nuclear power?
no carbon dioxide released - no contribution to climate change
reliable - generates lots of electricity when needed
what are some disadvantages to nuclear power?
dangerous radioactive materials - could be released into the environment if there is an accident
decommissioning old plants is very expensive and takes a long time
produces radioactive waste that has to be stored for a long time``
what are some advantages of using gas over coal?
gas produces less CO2 - this contributes less to climate change
gas power stations are more flexible - they have a shorter start up time
what contributed to the UK not switching to renewable energy sooner?
Energy from fossil fuels is cheap and switching away would cost money and jobs. this is an economic factor.
politicians did not see climate change as a big issue.
what are some disadvantages of renewable energy?
unreliable as things such as the environment affect the amount of electricity produced
