P3: Energy Resources

Question 1

Biofuel?

Answer 1

Any fuel taken from living materials, such as animal waste

Question 2

Carbon neutral?

Answer 2

A biofuel from a living organism that in as much carbon dioxide from the atmosphere when the fuel is burned

Question 3

Geothermal energy?

Answer 3

Energy released by radioactive substances deep within the Earth

Question 4

National grid?

Answer 4

The network of cables and transformers used to transfer electricity from power stations to consumers (i.e., homes, shops, offices, factories etc

Question 5

Nuclear fuel?

Answer 5

Substances used in nuclear reactors that releases nergy due to nuclear fission

Question 6

Nucleus?

Answer 6

Tiny positively charged composed of protons and neutrons at the centre of every atom

Question 7

Reactor core?

Answer 7

The thick steel vessel used to contain fuel rods, control rods and the moderator in a nuclear fission reactor

Question 8

Renewable energy

Answer 8

Energy from natural sources that is alwaysbeing replenished so it never runs out

Question 9

What is a renewable energy resource?

Answer 9

An energy source which can be replenished as it is being used up

Question 10

Give 4 examples of renewable energy resources?

Answer 10

Wind energy
Hydro-electricity
Tidal energy
Solar energy

Question 11

Give an example of a non-renewable enrgy resource?

Answer 11

Fossil fuels (gas, oil, coal)

Question 12

What are the advantages of generating power using gas rather than coal?

Answer 12

Felxible generations
Lower emissions of carbon dioxide

Question 13

State 2 disadvantages of using renewable energy resources to generste power?

Answer 13

Output determined by external factors, so supply is uncertain

Generating power through other means is often more efficient and economically beneficial

Question 14

Explain the environmental impacts of burning fossil fuels?

Answer 14

Carbon dioxide contributes to the greenhouse effect, and causes global warming

Sulphur dioxide leads to acid rain, which can damage buildings and crops

Question 15

State 3 advantages of fossil fuels as ana energy resource?

Answer 15

Reliable: not dependent on external factors so can generate power anytime

Can produce large amounts of energy for a given quantity

Still relatively abundant, so cost-effective

Question 16

State 3 adavantages of nuclear power?

Answer 16

Very large amounts of energy for relatively small quantities of fuel

Dosen’t release greenhouse gases and so dosen’t contribute to climate change

Low cost

Question 17

State 3 diaadvantages of nuclear power?

Answer 17

Produces nuclear waste which is harmful to humans and must be stored for centuries

Non-renewable energy source

Risk of nuclear accidents, which have fatal consequences on humans and the environment

Question 18

How does hydroelectric power produce energy?

Answer 18

Rainwater collects behind a dam
When this water is released, it is used to turn a turnine
This turbine turns a generator which produces electricity

Question 19

What are the disadvantages of hydroelectric power?

Answer 19

The dam may cause flooding
It can cost a lot to instal the required infrastructure

Question 20

What are the advantages of solar panels?

Answer 20

They don’t cause harm to the environment
They are a renewable resource
They can be used in remote areas where other types of energy are less accessible