Chapter 5 - Energy Flashcards
(34 cards)
What is the definition of chemical energy ? And give examples.
the energy stored within a substance, which is released on burning.
coal, oil, wood, food
What is the definition of gravitational potential energy ? And give examples.
the energy a body contains as a result of its height above the ground
stored energy in a dam of a hydroelectric power station
What is the definition of kinetic energy ? And give examples.
the energy of a moving object
wind, waves, tides
What is the definition of nuclear energy ? And give examples.
the energy that is stored in the nucleus of an atom
uranium, plutonium
What does the principle of conservation of energy state ?
Energy can neither be created or destroyed, but it can change its form
What are renewable energy sources ?
Those that are replaced by nature in less than a human lifetime.
What are non-renewable energy resources ?
Those used faster than can be replaced by nature.
What are the advantages of using fossil fuels ?
- relatively cheap to start up
- moderately expensive to run
- large world reserves of coal
What are the disadvantages of using fossil fuels ?
- all are non-renewable
- all release carbon dioxide
- contributes to global warming (CO2)
- burning coal and oil also releases sulphur dioxide which causes acid rain
What are the advantages of using nuclear fuels ?
W- do not produce carbon dioxide
- do not emit gases that cause acid rain
What are the disadvantages of using nuclear fuels ?
- waste products remain radioactive for thousands of years
- expensive to store materials
- fission fuels are non-renewable
- an accident could be very dangerous
What are the advantages of using wind farms ?
- renewable energy source
- low running costs
- doesn’t need fossil fuels
What are the disadvantages of using wind farms ?
wind farms are:
- unreliable
- unsightly
- hazardous to birds
What are the advantages of using waves ?
- renewable energy source
- low running costs
- doesn’t need fossil fuels
What are the disadvantages of using waves ?
waver generators at sea are :
- unreliable
- unsightly
- hazardous to shipping
What are the advantages of using tides ?
- renewable energy source
- low running costs
- doesn’t need fossil fuels
What are the disadvantages of using tides ?
tidal barrages can cause:
- navigation problems for shipping
- destruction of habitats
What is Northern Irelands naturally occurring energy source ?
Lignite
Why is it important not to over exploit natural resources in ( Northern)Ireland ?
because it can cause major damage to habitats.
What do all energy resources ultimately rely on ?
the energy of the sun
What two energy resources do not directly depend on the sun ?
Nuclear power and geothermal power
Describe the term efficiency
How good a device is at transferring energy from one to another in an intended way.
What is the formula for efficiency ?
useful energy output
efficiency = ———————————————–
energy input
What value is efficiency always lower than ?
1
