Unit 4 - Energy

Question 1

disadvantages of setting up nuclear power stations

Answer 1

1. Radioactive waste is produced, which is difficult to dispose of safely.
2. It’s expensive to set up and close down nuclear power stations.
3. There is a risk of radiation leaks and catastrophes.

Question 2

define chain reaction

Answer 2

• neutrons are absorbed by uranium nuclei
• more neutrons are produced which are absorbed by uranium nuclei

Question 3

state one advantage and one disadvantage of using a wind turbine

Answer 3

adv - renewable source of energy
disadv - noise pollution

Question 4

suggest reasons why some KE of air that passes through the circular area swept by the blades of the wind turbine is not converted into electrical energy

Answer 4

• most of the air does not hit the blase
• air does not transfer all its KE to blade
• friction in bearing of blades
• speed of air is not reduced to 0

Question 5

what is a non renewable energy source

Answer 5

will eventually run out, it not replaced at the same rate it is being used

Question 6

what is a renewable energy source

Answer 6

will not run out , it is being (or can be ) replaced at the same rate it is used

Question 7

give some sources of renewable energy on earth

Answer 7

solar, tidal wave wind, geothermal biofuel, hydroelectric

Question 8

give some sources of non renewable energy on earth

Answer 8

coal, oil, gas , nucleur

Question 9

what are the main advantages of using coal as energy resource

Answer 9

enough energy to meet current demand
reliable
can control supply to match demand
cheap to extract and use

Question 10

what are the main disadvantages of using coal as an energy resource

Answer 10

will eventally run out
releases CO2 which contributes to climate change
releases sulfur dioxide which causes acid rain

Question 11

what are the main advantages of using nuclear fuel as a source of energy

Answer 11

lots of energy released from a small mass
reliable
can control supply to match demand
enough fuel available to meet current demand
no polluting gases

Question 12

adv of using solar energy

Answer 12

can be used in remote places
no polluting gases
no waste products
very low running cost

Question 13

disadv of using solar energy

Answer 13

unreliable
cannot control supply
initial setup is expensive
cannot be used on a large scale

Question 14

adv of tidal energy

Answer 14

no polluting gases
no waste products
reliable
can produce large amounts of electricity
low running cost
no fuel costs

Question 15

disadv of tidal power

Answer 15

can harm marine habitats
inital set up expensive
cannot increase power supply when needed
amount of energy varies on time of month
hazard for boats