T3 - Using Energy

Question 1

Give four examples of renewable energy resources.

Answer 1

1. Wind Energy
2. Hydro-Electricity
3. Tidal Energy
4. Solar Energy

Question 2

State two disadvantages of using renewable energy resources to generate power.

Answer 2

• Output often determined by external factors (like wind speed), so supply is uncertain
• Renewable fuels often produce less energy per kg (so are less economical)

Question 3

State three advantages of fossil fuels as an energy resource.

Answer 3

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

Question 4

State 2 advantages of nuclear power.

Answer 4

• No greenhouse gases released, so doesn’t
  contribute to climate change
• Low fuel costs

Question 5

State three disadvantages of nuclear power.

Answer 5

1. Produces 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

Question 6

How does hydroelectric power produce energy?

Answer 6

• Rainwater collects behind a dam
• When this water is released, it is used to turn a turbine
• This turbine turns a generator which produces electricity

Question 7

What are some disadvantages of using biofuels?

Answer 7

• When plants are burned/decay they release CO,
• In order to grow biofuels, you need to destroy land:
  Habitat destruction
  CO2 released when plants are cleared (for example, if they are burned)
• Growing biofuels reduces the land available for food crops

Question 8

What are the advantages of tidal energy sources?

Answer 8

• No greenhouse gases
• Fairly reliable - tides occur twice a day
• Cheap to run as tides are natural, so free

Question 9

What are the disadvantages of hydroelectric power?

Answer 9

The dam may cause flooding
It can cost a lot to install the required infrastructure

Question 10

What are some advantages of solar panels?

Answer 10

• They don’t cause harm to the environment
• They are a renewable resource
• They can be used in remote areas where other types of energy are less accessible