Types Of Energy

Question 1

Define non renewable energy resources:

Answer 1

Those that have been built up, or have evolved, over time. They cannot be used without depleting the stock because their rate of formation is so slow that it is meaningless in terms of human lifespan.

Question 2

Examples of non-renewable energy resources:

Answer 2

Primarily fossil fuels- oil, natural gas, coal.

Also nuclear energy.

Question 3

Define renewable energy resources:

Answer 3

They have a natural rate of availability.
They yield a continuous flow that can be consumed in any given period of time without endangering future consumption, as long as the current use does not exceed net renewal during the same period.

Question 4

Examples of renewable energy resources:

Answer 4

Solar power, hydroelectric power, geothermal energy, wave and tidal power, wind power and biomass resources.

Question 5

What can renewable resources be subdivided into?

Answer 5

Critical (sustainable energy resources from forests, plants and animal waste, which require prudent management).
Non-critical (everlasting resources such as tides, waves, running water and solar power).

Question 6

What are recoverable reserves?

Answer 6

The amounts of a mineral likely to be extracted for commercial use within a certain time period and at a certain level of technology. They are known to exist; can be estimated on the basis of information and judgement; and are in unexplored areas near established areas of production.

Question 7

What are speculative reserves?

Answer 7

Deposits that may exist in a geological basin or terrain where no exploration has yet taken place. They occur where the geological makeup of the Earth’s crust is similar to regions that have yielded comparable deposits.

Question 8

What are primary energy resources?

Answer 8

Raw materials used for power in their natural form such as coal, oil, wood and uranium. They can be converted into secondary energy sources such as petrol.

Question 9

What is secondary energy?

Answer 9

Manufactured sources of power such as electricity or petroleum.

Question 10

What are fossil fuels?

Answer 10

Oil, natural gas and coal, formed from plant and animal remains in previous geographical periods. All are non-renewable sources of energy.

Question 11

Define resource:

Answer 11

Any aspect of the environment that can be used to meet human needs.

Question 12

Define flow:

Answer 12

A term used to describe renewable resources

Question 13

Define stock:

Answer 13

A term used to describe non-renewable resources.