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ENV IGCSE > Chapter 2: Energy and the Environment > Flashcards

Chapter 2: Energy and the Environment Flashcards

(75 cards)

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1
Q

What are fossil fuels?

A

A: Carbon-based fuels formed millions of years ago from the decay of living matter.

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2
Q

Q: How is coal formed?

A

A: From plants through the formation of peat, lignite, and eventually coal.

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3
Q

Q: How are oil and natural gas formed?

A

A: From sea creatures through layers of sediments, heat, and pressure turning remains into crude oil and natural gas.

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4
Q

Q: What is lignite?

A

A: Low-grade coal formed from compressed peat.

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5
Q

Q: What happens to oil and gas after formation?

A

A: They separate and rise through sandstone, filling in the pores, and get trapped under an impervious rock layer.

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6
Q

Q: What is a non-renewable energy source?

A

A: Fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) or nuclear power.

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6
Q

Q: Name a reason for the increasing worldwide demand for energy.

A

A: Increasing population size.

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7
Q

Q: How is geothermal power generated?

A

A: By pumping cold water into hot rocks, heating it, and using the steam to drive a turbine.

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7
Q

Q: Give an example of a renewable energy source.

A

A: Wind power.

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8
Q

Q: What does a turbine do?

A

A: It revolves to convert gas, steam, or air into mechanical energy connected to a generator.

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8
Q

Q: What are some strategies to reduce energy consumption?

A

A: Improving insulation, using energy-efficient devices, and turning off devices when not in use.

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8
Q

Q: What is the role of photovoltaic cells in solar power?

A

A: They produce a small electric charge when exposed to light.

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8
Q

Q: What is fracking?

A

A: Obtaining oil or gas from shale rock by splitting it open using water, sand, and chemicals.

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8
Q

Q: What are the advantages of biofuels?

A

A: Renewable source, growing more plants uses carbon dioxide, and can be plentiful.

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8
Q

Q: How does wind power generate electricity?

A

A: Through wind turbines that rotate due to wind, turning a generator.

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8
Q

Q: What are the environmental concerns of fracking?

A

A: Risk of toxins entering the water table, water usage, and noise pollution.

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9
Q

Q: How is tidal power generated?

A

A: By using the rise and fall of water levels and a tidal barrage to release water through a turbine.

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9
Q

Q: What is a disadvantage of using detergent sprays for oil spills?

A

A: They can damage coral reefs.

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9
Q

Q: What is the process of anaerobic digestion?

A

A: Breaking down organic matter using bacteria to release methane and produce compost.

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9
Q

Q: What is a disadvantage of using fossil fuels?

A

A: Release of carbon dioxide and toxic gases contributing to global warming.

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10
Q

Q: What is the purpose of floating booms in oil spill management?

A

A: To surround and prevent the spread of the oil slick.

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10
Q

Q: What are double-hulled tankers?

A

A: Tankers with an outer layer and an inner plate to reduce the risk of oil spills.

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11
Q

Q: How is energy from waste managed?

A

A: Through anaerobic digestion, incineration, and recycling vegetable oils into biofuels.

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11
Q

Q: What is the impact of oil spills on phytoplankton?

A

A: Oil blocks sunlight, preventing photosynthesis, leading to their death.

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12
Q: What effect does oil pollution have on fish?
A: Shortage of food, reduced oxygen, and direct contact affecting gills.
12
Q: How does oil pollution affect birds?
A: Shortage of food, toxic consumption, and contamination of feathers affecting flight.
12
Q: What is the impact of oil spills on coral reefs?
A: Complete devastation due to lack of oxygen and oil coverage.
13
Q: What are the environmental benefits of biofuels?
A: They are renewable and can reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
14
Q: What are some disadvantages of biofuels?
A: Carbon dioxide and toxic gas emissions, land use for agriculture, and removal of natural ecosystems.
14
Q: How do economic conditions impact energy demand?
A: Good economic conditions increase demand due to higher spending, while poor conditions decrease it.
15
Q: What is the effect of climate on energy demand?
A: Colder winters or excessive heat increase the need for heating or cooling, respectively.
15
Q: What is the MARPOL convention?
A: International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships.
15
Q: What is a significant challenge associated with the use of geothermal power?
A: The need to manage the return of hot water to the surface.
16
Q: What is the impact of oil pollution on beaches?
A: Oil coats rocks, affects shallow water organisms, and impacts tourism.
16
Q: How does hydro-electric power generate electricity?
A: By releasing water from a dam through turbines that activate a generator.
16
Q: What are some energy-saving strategies in building construction?
A: Insulation, double glazing, and using energy-efficient materials.
16
Q: What role does a generator play in electricity production?
A: It converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.
17
Q: What is one way to improve the efficiency of electrical devices?
A: By purchasing energy-efficient models.
17
Q: What are skimmers used for in oil spill management?
A: To clean water by dragging oil off the surface and collecting it.
17
Q: What is the benefit of using triple glazing?
A: Provides better insulation than double glazing but is more expensive.
18
Q: What does the term 'standby mode' refer to in energy conservation?
A: Keeping devices partially active but not fully operational to save energy.
18
Q: How does wind power differ from wave power?
A: Wind power uses wind turbines, while wave power uses the movement of water waves.
19
Q: What are the benefits of using anaerobic digestion for waste management?
A: Produces methane for heating and compost to improve soil.
20
Q: What is the primary function of a turbine in energy generation?
A: To convert energy from steam, gas, or wind into mechanical rotation.
20
Q: How can public transport improvements affect energy consumption?
A: They can make transportation more efficient and reduce reliance on personal vehicles.
20
Q: How does wave power generate electricity?
A: By capturing energy from the movement of ocean waves.
21
Q: How can energy be conserved in household buildings?
A: Through measures like insulation, turning off devices, and efficient energy use.
21
Q: What is the role of insulation in energy conservation?
A: It helps prevent heat loss and improves energy efficiency in buildings.
21
Q: What is the purpose of a tidal barrage in tidal power generation?
A: To control water flow and release it through turbines to generate electricity.
21
Q: What is a significant disadvantage of using nuclear power?
A: Limited supply of uranium and potential environmental hazards.
22
Q: What is a key advantage of solar power?
A: It uses photovoltaic cells to generate electricity from sunlight.
22
Q: What is the effect of oil pollution on mammals?
A: Depletion of food sources, toxic ingestion, and skin contamination.
22
Q: What are the potential health risks of fracking?
A: Toxins entering water supplies and possible local health impacts.
22
Q: What is a major environmental concern of burning fossil fuels?
A: The release of carbon dioxide and other pollutants contributing to global warming.
23
Q: Why are double-hulled tankers preferred over single-hulled tankers?
A: They reduce the risk of oil spills if the outer layer is damaged.
23
Q: How do energy-efficient devices contribute to conservation?
A: They use less energy to perform the same tasks as less efficient models.
23
Q: What are the advantages of using wind turbines?
A: They provide a renewable source of energy and do not produce emissions.
24
Q: What is the impact of energy consumption on the environment?
A: Increased energy use can lead to higher emissions and resource depletion.
25
Q: How does the installation of double glazing benefit energy conservation?
A: It provides better insulation by creating a sealed gap between two panes of glass.
25
What is the main function of a heat exchanger in geothermal systems?
To transfer heat from the hot water to a second supply of water to produce steam.
26
Q: What is a significant advantage of using biofuels over fossil fuels?
A: Biofuels are renewable and can be replenished more quickly.
26
Q: What does the term "scrappage scheme" refer to?
A: Programs that remove inefficient machines or vehicles from use.
26
Q: What is the purpose of using skimmers in oil spill cleanup?
A: To remove oil from the surface of the water using a material that oil attaches to.
26
Q: What role does education play in energy conservation?
A: It promotes awareness and encourages the adoption of energy-saving practices.
26
What is the primary advantage of using energy-efficient lighting?
It reduces energy consumption and lowers electricity bills.
27
How does hydro-electric power generate electricity?
: By storing water in a reservoir and releasing it through turbines to activate a generator
27
Q: How does hydro-electric power generate electricity?
A: By storing water in a reservoir and releasing it through turbines to activate a generator.
27
Q: How does the use of biofuels compare to fossil fuels?
A: Biofuels are renewable, while fossil fuels are non-renewable and contribute to pollution.
27
Q: What is the purpose of a heat exchanger in geothermal power?
A: To transfer heat from one water supply to another, generating steam for turbines.
27
Q: What type of energy source is tidal power?
Renewable
27
Q: What is a key environmental disadvantage of burning biofuels?
A: They release carbon dioxide and toxic gases during combustion.
28
Q: What is the main benefit of using a photovoltaic cell in solar panels?
A: It converts sunlight directly into electrical energy.
28
Q: How does wave power differ from tidal power?
A: Wave power captures energy from water wave movements, while tidal power uses changes in water levels.
29
Q: How does the insulation of buildings contribute to energy conservation?
A: By reducing heat loss and improving energy efficiency.
30
Q: What environmental issue is associated with offshore oil extraction?
A: Risk of oil spills and marine pollution.

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