sustainable energy

Question 1

what are primary energy sources?

Answer 1

• fossil fuels
• nuclear fuel eg plutonium + uranium
• biofuels from plants
• wind, waves, sunlight

Question 2

how is electricity generated?

Answer 2

1) fuel burned to produce heat which boils water producing steam
2) steam drives 2 turbines which power generators
3) electricity produced in generators sent to step up transformer then 2 ng
4) electricity distributed to homes through ng at high voltage
5) high voltages stepped down by transformer to mains supply voltage in our homes of 230V

Question 3

what is renewable energy?

Answer 3

nuclear and fossil fuels cause enviro damage releasing co2 in atmos contributing to climate and global warming

Question 4

what are alternative ways to generate electricity?

Answer 4

• wind
• waves
• hydroelectric power
• biofuel
• solar power
• geothermal

NOT RUN OUT

Question 5

what are hydroelectric dams?

Answer 5

water stored in reservoir flows down pipes and turns turbines which powers generators

advantages - cheap energy

Question 6

what are wind turbines?

Answer 6

force of wind turns blade of wind turbine proving power to a generator

advantages - free energy, inexpensive, need lil maintenance

disadvantage - only generate when theres enough wind

Question 7

how do generators work?

Answer 7

produce electricity when a magnet rotates near a coil

generator can be driven by another energy source, burning fossils used to heat water and produce steam to drive a turbine

Question 8

how do power stations work?

Answer 8

water has potential energy

Question 9

what are the advantages and disadvantages of fossil fuels?

Answer 9

advantages:

• high energy output
• efficient
• used anywhere

disadvantages:

• non renewable
• acid rain
• green house gases

Question 10

what are the advantages and disadvantages of nuclear?

Answer 10

advantages:
- no greenhouse gases
- high energy output
- reliable

disadvantages:
- expensive to remove fuel and for processing
- damages enviro

Question 11

what are the advantages and disadvantages of biofuel?

Answer 11

advantages:

• renewable
• inexhaustible supply

disadvantages:
- greenhouse gases
- expensive (machinery)

Question 12

what are the advantages and disadvantages of solar?

Answer 12

advantages:

• renewable
• no greenhouse gases
• no liquid waste

disadvantages:

• expensive
• need large surface for panels

Question 13

what are the advantages and disadvantages of wind?

Answer 13

advantages:

• renewable
• no greenhouse gases

disadvantages:
- expensive
- noisy

Question 14

what are the advantages and disadvantages of waves and hydroelectricity tidal?

Answer 14

advantages:
- renewable
- no greenhouse gases

disadvantages:
- expensive
- changes ecosystem by flooding
- limited locations

Question 15

what are the advantages and disadvantages of geothermal?

Answer 15

advantages:

• renewable
• small emission of greenhouse gases

disadvantages:

• limited locations
• expensive to drill for suitable sites

Question 16

how can you reduce energy demands in the home?

Answer 16

• installing double glazed windows
• loft insulation
• energy saving light bulbs
• switching off appliances

Question 17

how can you reduce energy demands naturally?

Answer 17

• public transport
• recycling
• car sharing

Question 18

how can you reduce energy demands in a work place?

Answer 18

• cleaning air conditioner filters
• low energy light bulbs
• roof insulation
• low energy machinery
• efficient vehicles for transport of goods

Question 19

what are the environmental impacts of energy source?

Answer 19

• greenhouse gases
• nuclear power creates radioactive waste
• wind farms cause noise and visual pollution
• hydroelectric and tidal dams flood large areas

Question 20

what should you consider when choosing an energy source?

Answer 20

• cost
• reliability
• how much waste produces
• impact on environment

Question 21

what is power?

Answer 21

measure of rate of energy transfer, measured in watts (W)

calculate power using this equation:
power = voltage x current

potential difference:
potential difference = power
———
current

Question 22

what is energy?

Answer 22

measured in joules

calculate energy transfer in joules and kilowatt hours:

energy transferred = power x time

Question 23

whats the formula for calculating the cost of electrical energy?

Answer 23

total cost = number of units x cost per unit

Question 24

explain waste from power stations:

Answer 24

radioactive waste

nuclear waste emit ionising radiation affecting body cells

when handling radioactive materials, danger of being exposed to radiation source outside your body - irradiation
if radiation gets on clothes or enters body, contaminated