P3.4 Energy and the environment

Question 1

What happens when fossil fuels are burnt?

Answer 1

Greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide are released

Can also produce sulfur dioxide - which can lead to acid rain

Question 2

Are fossil fuels renewable?

Answer 2

They are non-renewable and will eventually run out

Question 3

What are the advantages of nuclear power?

Answer 3

No greenhouse gases produce

Much more energy is transferred from each kilogram of uranium fuel than fossil fuel

Question 4

What are the disadvantages of nuclear power?

Answer 4

Used fuel rods contain radioactive waste - which has to be stored safely for centuries

An explosion could release radioactive material over a wide area

Question 5

What are the advantages of renewable energy sources?

Answer 5

They will never run out because they are always being replenished by natural processes

Do not produce greenhouses gases or acid rain

Do not produce radioactive waste

Question 6

What are the disadvantages of renewable sources?

Answer 6

They cannot currently meet the world’s demand

Some of the resources are not available all the time

Wind turbines create noise pollution

Solar cells need to cover large areas to generate large amounts of power