Topic 1b - energy resources (2. wind, solar, geothermal)

Question 1

what is wind power

Answer 1

generating electricity from the wind involves putting lots of wind turbines where they’re exposed to lots of wind. each turbine has its own generator inside. electricity is generated directly from the wind turning the blades.

Question 2

advantages of wind power

Answer 2

produce no pollution. initial costs are quite high but there are no fuel costs and minimal running costs

Question 3

disadvantages of wind power

Answer 3

unreliable, very noisy, can spoil the scenery, cannot increase power when there is extra demand for power.

Question 4

what are solar cells

Answer 4

generate electric currents directly from the suns radiation.

Question 5

advantages of solar cells

Answer 5

cause no pollution. initial costs are high but energy is free and running costs are almost 0.

Question 6

disadvantages of solar cells

Answer 6

unreliable when there is no sun, need a lot of energy to manufacture

Question 7

what is geothermal power

Answer 7

uses energy in the thermal energy stores of hot underground rocks to generate electricity

Question 8

advantages of geothermal energy

Answer 8

free energy with very little impact on the earth, reliable

Question 9

disadvantages of geothermal power

Answer 9

aren’t very many suitable locations. cost is quite high compared to the amount of energy we get out of it.