P3 - Sustainable Energy Flashcards
Primary energy source
An energy source which is used in the form that it is found
Name as many primary energy sources you can:
- Fossil Fuels: coal, oil and gas
- Nuclear fuel: Uranium, Plutonium etc.
- Biofuels
- Wind, Waves and Sunlight
Secondary Energy Sources
Energy sources made from primary energy sources for example, electricity
Global warming
An increase in the temperature of the earth’s surface
Power
The amount of energy transferred in one second
What is the equation for energy transfer?
Energy transferred (kWh) = Power (kW) x Time (H)
Current
The flow of electricity in a circuit
What is the unit used to measure current?
Amperes (A)
What unit is the voltage measured it?
Volts (V)
What is the equation for power?
Electrical Power (W) = Current (A) x Voltage (V)
What is the equation for current?
Current (A) = Power (W) / Voltage (V)
Efficiency
The proportion of electricity a component transfers into a useful form
What is the efficiency equation?
Efficiency = Energy usefully transferred / Total energy supplied
As a person you can use less electricity by: 4 ways…
- Using high efficiency A-rated appliances
- Turning off components when they aren’t needed
- Not boiling more water than is needed
- Cooking food in a microwave oven
How can we as a nation use less energy? 3 ways…
By:
•Using more efficient cars
•Living in houses with better insulation
•Building more efficient power stations and improving the output of old power stations
How can we as humans reduce our impact on the environment?
By: recycling resources such as metals, glass and plastics and by generating electricity from renewable sources of energy
How is electricity made?
When a magnet is moved near a circuit and electrical current starts to flow in the circuit as a result
What are the steps used to make electricity in a coal-fire power station?
- Coal burnt in a furnace
- Water heated to produce steam
- Jets of steam turn a turbine
- Turbine spins the generator
- Electricity produced by generator
Irradiation
When an object is placed in the path of radiation
Contamination
When an object gets mixed up with radioactive material
Why is contamination more dangerous that irradiation?
- It can result in a longer exposure to radiation
- It is difficult to remove the radioactive material
- It is difficult to stop the radioactive material from spreading through the environment
Renewable energy sources
Energy sources which can be used over and over and never run out
Name 4 renewable energy sources
Hydroelectric, wind turbines, solar power and wave technology
What are the advantages of hydroelectric power?
- Produces lots of energy
- Can be turned on and off quickly
- Can pump water back behind the dam to store energy
Disadvantages of hydroelectric?
- They flood large areas of land
- Rotting plants in the water create methane gas
- Expensive
Advantages of wind turbines
- Inexpensive
* They require very little maintenance
Disadvantages of wind turbines
- The need to be placed in windy conditions
* They can only generate electricity in certain wind conditions
The National Grid
A network of cables which carries electricity throughout the UK
Which energy sources produce large amounts of energy?
Fossil fuels, nuclear power, hydroelectric and biofuels
Which energy sources do not produce greenhouse gases?
Nuclear power, wind, waves, solar and geothermal
What are the environmental impacts of using fossil fuels, nuclear power, wind farms and hydroelectric?
- Fossil fuels produce greenhouse gases
- Nuclear power creates radioactive waste
- Wind Farms cause noise and visual pollution
- Hydroelectric dams flood large areas
What 6 things should someone consider when choosing an energy source?
- Environmental impact
- Cost of building and running the power station
- How much CO2 and other waste in creates
- Reliability of the energy source
- Cost of using the energy source
- Efficiency of transfer of energy to electricity
What is the power output of a power station measured in?
Millions of watts or megawatts (MW)
What’s the output and lifetime of a nuclear or fossil fuel power station?
1000MW and a lifetime of 40 years
What’s the output and lifetime of a wind farm power station?
300MW and a lifetime of about 20 years
What’s the output and lifetime of a hydroelectric power station?
10,000 MW and a lifetime of about 80 years
Why will global demand for electricity probably rise in the future?
- The population will grow (especially in developing countries)
- Many developing countries want the high-energy lifestyle of industrialised countries
