P3: Energy Resources Flashcards
How do power stations produce energy?
Burning fuel heats water in a boiler to produce steam. The steam drives a turbine that turns an electricity generator.
What is biofuel?
Fuel taken from living/recently living organisms such as animal waste. E.g. methane.
- Can be used instead of fossil fuels in modified engines and in power stations.
- Renewable as biological source can continually be produced, used at the same rate it is replaced.
- Carbon neutral.
What is nuclear power?
Nuclear fuel takes energy from atoms. The fuel is often uranium as its nucleus is unstable so releases more energy. Energy is transferred when the nucleus splits.
- Non-renewable.
- No greenhouses gases.
- Radioactive waste.
- Coolant’s energy turns water to steam to drive turbine.
What are wind turbines and how do they work?
They are electricity generators on top of a tower. The force of the wind drives turbine’s blades around to turn a generator. Power generated increases if wind speeds increase however they are unreliable as they won’t always generate electricity.
What is wave power and does it work?
A wave generator uses waves to make floating generator move up and down. This motion turns the generator to generate electricity. Cable between generator and shore delivers electricity to grid system.
- They need to withstand storms and don’t produce a constant supply of energy.
- Lots of cables are needed along the coast, affecting habitats.
What is hydroelectric power?
Hydroelectricity generated using flowing rainwater. Flowing water drives turbines that turn electricity generators.
What is tidal power?
Tidal power station traps water in a high tide behind a barrage that can then be released into the sea through turbines. Turbines drive generators.
- Underwater cables connect underwater turbines to National Grid.
What are renewable energy sources?
They are energy sources that are never used up and can always be replenished by natural resources. They are used at the same rate they are replaced.
How do solar cells work?
They convert solar energy into useful energy and use water to turn into steam. The steam is piped down to turn electricity generators.
- Useful where small amounts of electricity are needed or in remote places.
- Very expensive to buy but cost nothing to run.
- Lots are needed to generate useful amounts of power and are unreliable.
What is geothermal energy?
Energy released by radioactive substances within the earth.
- Energy transferred heats rock so energy is transferred by heating towards earth’s surface.
- Geothermal power stations can be built in volcanic areas, where water is pumped down to rocks to produce steam.
What happens when fossil fuels are burnt?
When coal, oil or gas is burnt it releases greenhouse gases like CO2, used in transport/electricty.
The amount is increasing and causes global warming, climate change and acid rain.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of nuclear power?
+ No greenhouse gases.
+ More energy is transferred.
- Radioactive waste needs to be stored for long times.
- Explosions are possible and would release lots of radioactive material.
- Expensive to build and run.
What are the advantages of renewable energy?
- Never run out as they are always replenished by natural resources.
- No greenhouse gases or radioactive waste.
- Can be used in many places by the National grid.
What are the disadvantages of renewable energy?
- Can’t meet the world demand for energy and are unreliable.
- Wind turbines can make annoying noises and could upset locals.
- Can affect habitats.
- May need to cover large areas and can be expensive.
How are demands for electricity met?
• Using nuclear/coal fired power stations to provide constant amount of electricity.
• Gas fired power stations used for variations in demand and extra demand in winter.
• Using renewable resources if conditions are suitable and demand is low.
