Topic 2: Energy Resources Flashcards
What is a non renewable energy resource
One that is being used up faster than it can be replaced by nature
What is a renewable energy resource
One that is replaced by nature in less than a human lifetime
Examples of renewable and non renewable energy resource
Renewable
- Wind Waves Solar Hydroelectric
Non Renewable
- Fossil fuels e.g. coal oil gas
What are fossil fuels
Produced when the remains of small plants and animals are compressed over millions of years
Polluting resources are those that
Release harmful substances into the atmosphere
Hydroelectric Energy
Depends on the water cycle and the process being when water evaporates as a result of absorbing radiant energy from the sun
Wind energy and wave energy
Rely on the earths weather which is largely controlled by the sun
How is wind energy caused by the sun
Energy from the sun heats the air and air rises and the replacement air is wind
How do fossil fuels rely on the energy from the sun starting from the process of photosynthesis
Plants obtained energy by photosynthesis. Carnivores ate herbivores. Remains of both are compressed and slowly fossilise under earths surface
Carbon dioxide
Most common of serveral gases that contriubute to greenhouse effect. The result is global warming
Sulphur dioxide
Most common cause of acid rain. Dissolves in rainwater to form an acid
Decommisioning
Shutting down of power stations to its former state
Social environment and ethical issues to be considered (power stations)
Creates employment
High Tech Industry
Contribute to greenhouse effect
Waste disposal issues
Pollution dangers to population
How is methane produced
When bacteria break down organic matter without oxygen being present
How is carbon dioxide produced
Burning fossil fuels
