Energy, fossil fuels, and renewable energy

Question 1

define energy

Answer 1

Energy is the ability to do work.

Question 2

what units do you measure energy in

Answer 2

It is measured in Joules (J)

Question 3

what are the 8 main forms of energy and explain them with an example

Answer 3

Gravitational potential - an object at height - a plane
Kinetic - moving objects - moving car
Chemical - chemical bonds - batteries
Internal (heat/thermal) - hot objects where particles vibrate faster - hot cup of coffee
Elastic - an object that is squashed or stretched - elastic band
Nuclear - the nucleus of an atom - uranium
Electrostatic - when charges are moved further together or further apart - thunderclouds
Magnetic - in a magnetic field - compass

Question 4

what is the law of conservation

Answer 4

energy can not be created or destroyed, but it can only be converted from one energy to another

Question 5

how can energy be transferred from one form to another (describe)

Answer 5

1. Mechanically - force
2. Electrically - when electrical charges move around an electrical circuit
3. Heat - transferred from hotter objects to colder objects
4. Light & sound - when light or sound waves carry energy from one place to another

Question 6

distinguish and describe the difference between conduction, convection and radiation

Answer 6

Conduction - the transfer of heat through touching objects
Radiation - when an object gives off heat into its surroundings
Convection - the transfer of heat through moving air

Question 7

distinguish the difference between renewable and non-renewable sources of energy and give an example

Answer 7

Renewable energies will last forever as they get replenished as they are used

Non-renewable energy sources that will run out or will not be replenished in our lifetimes

Question 8

define a fossil fuel, how it is formed and give an example

Answer 8

Fossil fuels are produced when plants and animals die and become trapped in certain conditions. Over millions of years, they can become coal, oil and natural gas.

1. Oil
2. Gas
3. Coal

Question 9

wind energy advantages & disadvantages

Answer 9

advantage: if a place is often exposed and windy

disadvantage: a wind farm could spoil the scenery and harm wildlife

Question 10

solar energy advantages & disadvantages

Answer 10

advantage: solar cells can be placed on the roof of hot buildings so they do not spoil the scenery or harm wildlife

disadvantage: they are relatively expensive, a large number is needed and a sunny climate is needed

Question 11

wave energy advantages & disadvantages

Answer 11

advantage: if a place is often exposed and windy as wind makes waves.

disadvantage: a large area of sea needs to be used and not reliable all the time

Question 12

tidal energy advantages & disadvantages

Answer 12

advantage: if a place is reliable, as high and low tides always occur twice a day

disadvantage: a barrage needs to be built to cross an estuary

Question 13

hydroelectric energy advantages & disadvantages

Answer 13

advantage: if a place is reliable, electricity can be generated as required

disadvantage: large area of water trapped behind a dam can cause flooding and change wildlife habitats

Question 14

geothermal energy advantages & disadvantages

Answer 14

advantage: available continuously

disadvantage: may have to drill a long way (up to 5km) to reach hot rocks

Question 15

biomass energy advantages & disadvantages

Answer 15

advantage: sewage, dung, rotting food and vegetables matter can be fermented to produce biogas, using waste materials

disadvantage: large area of forest are needed