Topic 3 - Conservation Of Energy - Using Energy Flashcards
What is a renewable energy source
An energy source which can be replenished as it being used up
Give 4 examples of renewable energy resources
1) wind energy
2) hydro-electricity
3) tidal energy
4) solar energy
Give an example of a non-renewable energy resource
Fossil fuels ( e.g coal oil gas )
What are the advantages of generating power using gas rather than coal
Flexible generation: gas power stations have short start up times so can be switched on/off more readily
Lower emissions of carbon dioxide
State two disadvantages of using renewable energy resources to generate power
Output often deteriorated by external factors (like wind speed) so supply is uncertain
Renewable fuels often produce less energy per kg ( so are less economical)
Explain the environmental impacts of burning fossil fuels
Carbon dioxide contributes to the greenhouse effect and causes global warming
Sulphur dioxide leads to acid rain which can damage buildings and crops
State 3 advantages of fossil fuels as a energy resource
1) reliable: not dependent on external factors so can generate power anytime
2) produce large amounts of energy per kg
3) still relatively abundant so cost effective
State 3 advantages of nuclear power
1) very large amounts of energy per kg of fuel
2) no greenhouse gases released so doesn’t contribute to climate change
- Low fuel costs
State 3 disadvantages of nuclear power
1) produce nuclear waste which is harmful to humans & must be safely stored for centuries
2) non Renewable energy source
3) risk of nuclear accidents which have fatal consequences on humans and the environment
Give examples of social factors to consider in energy production
Visual pollution
Sound pollution
(Both of these are disadvantages of wind farms )
How does hydroelectric power produce energy
Rainwater collects behind a dam
When this water is released it’s used to turn a turbine
This turbine turns a generator which produces electricity
What are some disadvantages of using biofuels
1) when plants are burned/ decay they release C02
2) in order to grow biofuels you need to destroy land
3) growing biofuels reduces the land available for food crops
What are the advantages of tidal energy sources
1) no greenhouse gasses
2)fairly reliable
3)cheap to run as rides are natural , so free
What are the disadvantages of hydroelectric power
1) the dam may cause flooding
2)it can cost a lot to install the required infrastructure
What are some advantages of solar panels
1) they don’t cause harm to the environment
2) they are a renewable resource
3 they can be used in remote areas where other types of energy are less accessible
