Sources Flashcards
How does geothermal energy work
Thermal energy from hot rocks underground can also be used to generate electricity. Water is pumped down to the rocks through a pipeline which returns to the surface as steam. The steam is used to rotate a turbine which is connected to a generator, which is used to generate electricity
Where is geothermal energy found
Deep underground
Advantages and disadvantages of geothermal energy
Advantages
Renewable,no pollution
Disadvantages
Very few places where u can do this
very expensive
How does solar energy work
The electromagnetic waves emitted by the sun (e.g light), transfer energy to the earth. Solar cells absorb these waves and create an electric current without a generator. Some solar cells use heat from the sun to boil water, create steam and rotate a turbine, which turns a generator.
Where is solar energy found
Sun
Advantages and disadvantages of solar energy
Advantages
Renewable
No pollution
Disadvantages
Expensive
Only works when sunny
How does wind energy work
Wind flows over the blades creating lift (similar to the effect on airplane wings), which causes the blades to turn. The blades are connected to a drive shaft that turns an electric generator, which produces (generates) electricity.
Where is wind energy found
Windy places
Advantages and disadvantages of wind energy
Advantages
Renewable
Cheap
Disadvantages
Noisy
Only works when quite windy
Renewable definition
Renewable energy is energy derived from natural sources that are replenished at a higher rate than they are consumed.
How does wave energy work
The turbines have a chamber that fills with water when a wave hits it. Water rushes in and pushes air out of the chamber, through a turbine. This turns the turbine blades which powers a generator and it is this that generates the electricity.
Where would wave energy be found
Sea
Advantages and disadvantages of wave energy
Advantages
Renewable
No pollution
Disadvantages
Lots of expensive machines needed
Damaged easily by storms
How does tidal energy work
Tidal energy is created using the movement of our tides and oceans, where the intensity of the water from the rise and fall of tides is a form of kinetic energy which can be converted to electrical energy
Where is tidal energy found
Sea
Advantages and disadvantages of tidal energy
Advantages
Cheap to run
Reliable
Disadvantages
Disturbs migration of living creatures in the ocean,impacting surrounding ecosystems
Costs a lot to build
How does hydroelectric energy work
A conventional dam holds water in a man-made lake, or reservoir, behind it. When water is released through the dam, it spins a turbine connected to a generator that produces electricity.
Where is hydroelectric energy found
Rivers
Advantages and disadvantages of hydroelectric energy
Advantages
No pollution
Can meet peak electricity demand
Disadvantages
A lot of money to build
Damn could cause flooding
How does biomass energy work
Biomass uses waste from plants or animals that can be converted to energy, biomass is burned in a boiler to produce high-pressure steam. This steam flows over a series of turbine blades, causing them to rotate. The rotation of the turbine drives a generator, producing electricity.
Where is biomass found
In plants or organic matter
Advantages and disadvantages of biomass energy
Advantages
Renewable
Reliable
Disadvantages
Large area of land needed to grow enough trees
Still releases greenhouse gases
Non renewable definition
A finite resource, it cannot be recreated or reused, some fuels are non renewable, the most commonly used are fossil fuels
What is biofuel
a fuel derived immediately from living matter.
