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Geography > Renewable Energy > Flashcards

Renewable Energy Flashcards

1
Q

What is wind energy harnessed through?

A

Wind turbines

Wind turbines are typically tall towers with three propeller blades.

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2
Q

What do the blades of a wind turbine do?

A

They turn with the wind, driving a generator that produces electricity.

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3
Q

Where are wind turbines commonly grouped together?

A

Off-shore in large quantities to form a wind farm.

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4
Q

List three advantages of wind energy.

A

Constantly available and sustainable
No cost for wind energy
Relatively low running cost of a wind turbine

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5
Q

What is a major disadvantage of wind energy during low wind periods?

A

Little or no energy is produced.

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6
Q

What is a significant cost associated with wind energy?

A

They cost a lot to build and put in place.

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7
Q

True or False: Some people appreciate the look of wind turbines.

A

False

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8
Q

Fill in the blank: Wind energy is _______ available and sustainable.

A

Constantly

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9
Q

What are solar panels made from?

A

Solar panels are made from photovoltaic cells.

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10
Q

What do photovoltaic cells do?

A

They harness the Sun’s light energy and convert it into electricity.

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11
Q

What is a key benefit of solar power?

A

Solar power provides clean energy from a plentiful supply.

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12
Q

What is a challenge in solar panel technology?

A

There is still considerable development work to be done to make solar panels more efficient.

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13
Q

Why is the placement of solar panels important?

A

To ensure they track the path of the Sun and harness the optimum amount of solar energy.

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14
Q

What is one advantage of solar energy?

A

It provides clean, renewable energy.

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15
Q

How can solar energy affect household expenses?

A

It reduces household energy bills.

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16
Q

What is a common disadvantage of solar panels?

A

Some people do not like the look of solar panels or feel that they spoil the appearance of a building.

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17
Q

What is a financial drawback of solar panels?

A

They cost a lot to install.

18
Q

When do solar panels produce less electricity?

A

They do not produce much electricity during considerable cloud cover, winter months, or at night.

19
Q

What percentage of the UK’s electricity demand could potentially be harnessed from tidal power?

A

Around a fifth of its electricity demand.

20
Q

What natural phenomenon does tidal energy rely on?

A

The gravitational pull of the Moon, which causes tides.

21
Q

What is a tidal barrage?

A

A structure built across the mouth of a river where it meets the ocean to generate electricity from tides.

22
Q

How does a tidal barrage generate electricity?

A

By allowing the incoming tide to pass through turbines and harnessing the reverse flow when the tide goes out.

23
Q

What is one advantage of tidal power?

A

It is a clean, renewable energy source.

24
Q

How long can tidal power plants last?

A

They will last for a long time.

25
Q

Why is tidal power particularly advantageous for the UK?

A

The UK is an island surrounded by the sea.

26
Q

What is a disadvantage of tidal power?

A

The construction of tidal barrages is expensive.

27
Q

What is another concern regarding tidal barrages?

A

The environmental impact of tidal barrages is unknown.

28
Q

What is the primary function of hydroelectric schemes?

A

Hydroelectric schemes use a dam to block a valley or a major river, creating a reservoir behind the dam.

29
Q

How is electricity produced in hydroelectric schemes?

A

Water built up behind the dam is directed and released by valves through turbines, which turn generators to produce electricity.

30
Q

What is a key advantage of hydroelectric energy?

A

It is a clean, renewable energy source.

31
Q

How quickly can hydroelectric systems respond to energy demand?

A

Valves can be opened very quickly to produce energy at peak times.

32
Q

What is a notable environmental benefit of hydroelectric energy?

A

There is no pollution when running hydroelectric systems.

33
Q

What is a significant disadvantage of hydroelectric schemes?

A

The construction of dams is expensive.

34
Q

What is a common objection to hydroelectric projects?

A

There are objections from people in the surrounding environment.

35
Q

How do hydroelectric schemes affect wildlife?

A

They affect wildlife by flooding the valley.

36
Q

What is biomass energy?

A

Biomass energy involves growing plants or using animal materials to be burned for heat.

37
Q

What are examples of biomass crops?

A

Plants such as rapeseed or willow are specifically grown as biomass crops.

38
Q

What is a key advantage of biomass energy?

A

It is a clean, renewable energy source.

39
Q

What happens to carbon dioxide released during biomass energy production?

A

Carbon dioxide is released in the process and can be reused by plants.

40
Q

How quickly can replacement plants be grown for biomass energy?

A

Replacement plants can be grown very quickly to ensure a good supply.

41
Q

What is a disadvantage of biomass energy?

A

It creates atmospheric pollution when burned.

42
Q

What is another disadvantage of using land for biomass energy crops?

A

Land used for energy crops may be needed for other purposes such as agriculture.

Geography (3 decks)

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