Unit 6 Energy Generation Flashcards
Name 2 types of non-renewable or finite energy resources
Fossil fuels - Oil and coal
Shale gas - produced by Fracking
Name 3 types of renewable energy resources
Wind power - wind turbines
Solar energy - solar panels
Tidal energy - turbines moved by movement of water
Hydroelectric Power - use of reservoirs and moving water
Biofuel - Biomass (burning of trees, plants, farm waste)
Nuclear power - nuclear reactors power stations and fission
name a reason why fossil fuels are bad for the environment
The burning of fossil fuels cause CO2 emissions that damage the atmosphere
Fracking to release shale gas can cause harm to the environment by possibly causing earth tremors and realising toxic particles in to the water table
What is Fracking?
Fracking is the process of extracting gas from Shale.
a well is drilled very deep in to the earth and high pressure water, sand and chemicals are sent into the rock to release trapped gas.
Why is Fracking considered bad for the environment?
Because high pressured water, sand and chemical are sent down into the rock which can cause chemicals to travel into the water table.
Their are also concerns that fracking can cause earth tremors
what are 2 commonly considered disadvantages of solar and wind power?
People might see them as unattractive and ‘eye-sores’.
They are often placed in areas considered a ‘natural’ landscape and some may feel they ruin it.
They are reliant on the sun and wind which means that sometimes if it’s not windy or its night time they will not be producing power.
There may be a large set up fee initially
They require land to place them on. (aside from Solar which can be on buildings for home use)
what are 2 commonly considered disadvantages of Hydroelectric power?
Reservoirs may need to be created so areas of landscape may need to be flooded.
It may be expensive to set up and require a lot of support from communities
People in the local areas may have homes and land effected if a reservoir needs to be built.
Needs a lake or reservoir
can effect animals and natural habitats if a reservoir is created.
What are 2 advantages to hydroelectric power?
Very efficient way of producing power.
In heavy rain very efficient and at other times water can be pumped back up are lower period of demand.
Does not required constant rain or any other resource the in unavailable at different times of the day or seasons.
can create opportunities for boating and leisure activities on the reservoir
can develop its own community around the reservoir.
What are 3 advantages of Nuclear Power?
Can create a lot of energy in response to demand
Produces very little CO2 emissions
Uranium (needed for the reaction) is unlikely to run out in under 1000years
Is a reliable source of power as the reactors can be running 24/7
very little uranium needed in comparison to the amount of coal that would be required for the same energy production
What are 3 disadvantages of Nuclear Power?
Produces radioactive waste material from the fission that happens with the uranium.
Waste has to be deposed of in sealed container to avoid leaks
Waste stay radioactive for a very long time
very expensive to build a reactor
Few disasters happen but when they do they are normally very dangerous.
If an accident happens it can cause huge environmental damage and impact to life.
how does hydro electric power work?
explain in 4 steps.
Water flows through turbines from a reservoir
The turbine turns a generator
Generator produces electricity
In low period of energy demand water is pumped back up to the reservoir to start the process again.
How does Nuclear power stations work?
Explain in 5 steps
Radioactive material (uranium) produces unstable atoms which collide with each other, this is called fission
It causes water to super heats to create steam which drives a turbine
This turbine turns a generator and produces electricity
Control rods in the reactor which have atom absorbing material (normally boron) are there to control the reaction
