Paper 2 - Energy Resources and Energy Transfers

Question 1

Describe the energy transfer involved in generating electricity using wind

Answer 1

• As the wind blows it turns a turbine
• The generator converts the turbine’s kinetic energy into electrical energy.

Question 2

Describe the energy transfer involved in generating electricity using water

Answer 2

• As the water flows, its kinetic energy is used to turn a turbine.
• The generator converts the turbine’s kinetic energy into electrical energy.

Question 3

Describe the energy transfer involved in generating electricity using geothermal resources

Answer 3

• Fluids from underground reservoirs come to the surface to produce steam.
• Steam moves the turbine
• The generator converts the turbine’s kinetic energy into electrical energy.

Question 4

Describe the energy transfer involved in generating electricity using solar heating systems

Answer 4

• A heat-transfer fluid is heated to produce steam.
• Steam moves the turbine
• The generator converts the turbine’s kinetic energy into electrical energy.

Question 5

Describe the energy transfer involved in generating electricity using solar cells

Answer 5

• Sun shines onto a solar panel and energy from sunlight is absorbed by the cells in the panel.
• Creates electrical charges
• Causes electricity to flow

Question 6

Describe the energy transfer involved in generating electricity using fossil fuels

Answer 6

• Fossil fuels are combusted to produce steam
• Steam moves the turbine
• The generator converts the turbine’s kinetic energy into electrical energy.

Question 7

Describe the energy transfer involved in generating electricity using nuclear power

Answer 7

• Nuclear fission generates heat to produce steam
• Steam moves the turbine
• The generator converts the turbine’s kinetic energy into electrical energy.

Question 8

What are the advantages of using fossil fuels as an energy source?

Answer 8

• Cheap to obtain fuel
• Provides a lot of energy
• If there is a quick change in demand, fossil fuels can respond to that change quickly

Question 9

What are the advantages of hydroelectric power?

Answer 9

• They do not produce greenhouse gases or harmful gases
• Cheap to run because it is natural

Question 10

What are the disadvantages of hydroelectric power?

Answer 10

• The dam may cause flooding
• Costly to set up
• Can’t be used everywhere

Question 11

What are the advantages of solar panels?

Answer 11

• No environmental damage
• Renewable source of energy
• Can be used in remote areas where other types of energy are less accessible

Question 12

What are the advantages of nuclear energy?

Answer 12

• Cheapest energy production per kWh
• Does not produce Green House Gases

Question 13

What are the disadvantages of nuclear energy?

Answer 13

• Nuclear waste is radioactive and has a long half life
• Waste can disrupt wildlife
• Risk of nuclear accidents