Types Of Energy Flashcards
How is Nuclear Energy made?
Happens by atomic fission (when a neutron collides with a uranium atom and splits it into smaller neutrons) This creates heat & radiation that is used to produce steam to spin the turbines in the reactor system that drives the magnetic generators.
How does Nuclear Energy release waste?
Cooling tower releases waste in the atmosphere
List some Pros and cons of Nuclear energy
Pros: low CO2 emissions, efficient, good future.
Cons:pollution, destruction when mining uranium, expensive, non renewable energy
List the main components when making Nuclear energy
Nuclear reactor (uranium and neutrons), water/gas, steam turbines, magnetic generator, and cooling tower
How is Geothermal/Thermal energy produced?
Magma from earths core heats water to evaporate it into steam to spin the turbines connected to a generator to create electricity. Afterwards the steam is condensed into water and can be used again.
List some pros and cons of geothermal/thermal energy
Pros: Low climate change, renewable, efficient, cheep maintenance , good future
Cons:expensive to build facilities, hard access to viable/useful areas, can cause some earthquakes
What are the main components of geothermal/thermal energy production?
Production wells (to get magma), turbines, generators, water, cooling towers
How is light energy produced?
Solar panels absorb sunlight which makes electrons to move fast to create electricity. The electricity is initially produced in DC form but then an inverter converts it to AC (type of electricity used in homes). The electricity is then sent to a grid/distribution board or batteries.
List some pros and cons of light energy
Pros: less air pollution, less CO2 emissions, renewable, good future Cons
Cons: disrupting wildlife, high heat/light in areas, expensive, inconstant light
What are the main components in light energy generation?
Solar panels, inverter, battery, grid/distribution board, energy meter, the sun
How is wind energy produced?
Wind turns turbine blades that then spin the shaft which powers the generator that converts the kinetic energy into DC electricity. A transformer turns the Dc electricity to AC (type of energy used in homes) which is then transferred through power lines.
List some pros and cons of wind energy
Pros: renewable, no CO2 emissions, efficient, good future
Cons: impact to wildlife (birds), not much remote areas to put windmills, makes loud noises, expensive
What are the main components in making wind energy?
Blades/turbine, rotor, nacelle, generator, wind vane/yaw system, transformer
How is energy produced by using fossil fuels?
Coal is burned to create steam in a water boiler. The steam spins a turbine connected to a generator which converts the mechanical energy into electricity. A converter converts the DC energy into AC. Also uses a cooling system to condense the steam into water to be used again.
List some pros and cons of energy made by fossil fuels
Pros:high energy density, provides jobs, fuel flexibility
Cons: air pollution, expensive, health risks, inefficient (losses energy in heat), non-renewable (not much coal), bad future
What are the main components when generating energy from fossil fuels?
Coal/other non-renewable resources, cooling system, smoke collector, boiler/water supply, generator, transformer, turbines
