P3 Energy resources Flashcards
How can energy be generated?
Through fossil fuels, gas, oil, coal, nuclear, hydroelectricity and other renewables.
How do power stations work?
the burning fuel heats water in a boiler. This produces steam which drives a turbine that turns an electricity generator.
What is a biofuel?
Any fuel taken from living or recently living organisms. Animal waste is an example.
How is a biofuel renewable?
Because its biological source either regrows or is continually produced.
How is a biofuel carbon-neutral?
The carbon the living organism takes in from the atmosphere as carbon dioxide can balance the amount when it is burnt off.
How does nuclear power create energy?
It is powered by the fuel uranium mostly and the fuel is sealed in the reactor. It is unstable and can split- when this happens energy is transferred from the nucleus, making heat. It then is transferred by a coolant which is hot when it leaves the core and it flows through a heat exchanger, then back to the core. The energy transferred is used to turn water into steam which drives turbines connected to a generator.
How is wind power sourced?
The force of the wind drives the turbines blades round, turning a generator. This power generates as the wind speed increases. However they are unreliable.
How is wave power sourced?
Uses waves to make a floating generator up and down, turning the generator, creating electricity. However they need to withstand storms and may affect the habitats of marine life and birds.
How is hydroelectric power sourced?
A tidal power station traps water from each high tide behind a barrage. This tide then can be released through turbines so they drive the generators.
What do solar cells do?
They are useful where only small amounts of energy is required. However they are expensive and lots are needed.
How do solar cells work?
There is a solar heating panel which heats water flowing through it.
How does a solar power tower work?
On a solar power tower they use thousands of flat mirrors which reflect sunlight on to a big water tank at the top of the tower. The mirrors on the ground surround the base of the tower. The water in the tank is turned to steam and piped down to ground level where it is put into generators.
How does geothermal energy work?
It comes from energy released by radioactive substances within the earth. The energy transferred from these radioactive substances heats the surrounding rock so energy is transferred by heating towards the earths surface.
What are the problems with fossil fuels?
Greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide are released which means it could contribute to global warming. They are also non-renewable so they will run out.
What are 2 advantages to nuclear power?
There are no greenhouse gases and much more energy is transferred from each kilogram of uranium fuel than from fossil fuel.
