P3-Energy resources Flashcards
What is a fossil fuel?
Coal, gas or oil
They come from plants and animals that were buried millions of years ago.
Are fossil fuels renewable?
No fossil fuels are non-renewable because once they run out they are gone.
What are biofuels?
Fuels from living or recently living things.
What is a renewable energy source?
Renewable energy is fuel from a source that is quickly replenished (like biofuels) or is constant (like the sun or wind)
What is a carbon-neutral fuel?
A fuel that does not produce more carbon dioxide in the air than it uses up in its porduction.
Where does the energy we use in our homes come from?
Coal, oil, gas, nuclear, hydroelectric, wind, tidal, solar
What are the advantages and disadvantages of fossil fules?
Advantages:
its cheap, reliable, used to be abundant, useful by-products such as plasctics
Disadvantages:
They are non-renewable, they will run out.
They are polluting, causing smog acid rain and releasing greenhouse gases
Damage to environment from extraction.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of nuclear energy?
Advantages:
No polluting gases or greenhouse gases.
Each kg contains 10000 times more energy than fossil fuel.
Low-cost
Disadvantages:
Radioactive waste needs to be stored for a long time
Risks of radioactive accidents.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of wind turbines?
Advantages: No fuel, so no carbon emissions Renewable source of energy Disadvantages: Wind is not always there, so not reliable source of energy. Some people find them unsightly. They can be noisy.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of tidal power?
Advantages:
Reliable source as tides are regular events
Renewable so will not run out
No greenhouse gases
Disadvantages:
Tidal barrages affect estuaries and their habitats
What are the advantages and disadvantages of solar power?
Advantages: Renewable as there is sunlight every day. No greenhouse gases No radioactive waste No running costs Disadvantages: Requires a lot of land to be covered to generate large amounts of power. Not everywhere gets as much sunlight. Expensive to buy.
How does geothermal energy work?
Cold water is pumped into hot rocks far below ground and the heat turns the water into steam. The steam drive electricity turbines.
What causes acid rain?
Burning fossil fuels releases Sulfur Dioxide into the atmosphere which combines with rain to form sulfuric acid.
Name some renewable energy resources.
Biofuel, Wind, Solar, Geothermal, Tidal, Hydroelectric
What is meant by a reliable energy source?
It is predictable and can provide energy whenever needed.
