Energy Generation & Storage

Question 1

What are the two categories of energy sources?

Answer 1

They can be renewable (non-finite) or non-renewable (finite).

Question 2

What are fossil fuels?

Answer 2

Fossil fuels are non-renewable natural resources formed from the remains of organisms.

Question 3

What are the three main types of fossil fuel?

Answer 3

The three main types of fossil fuel are coal, oil, and gas.

Question 4

How is electricity produced from fossil fuels?

Answer 4

Fossil fuels are usually burned in power stations to produce electricity.

Question 5

What has traditionally made up the UK’s energy mix?

Answer 5

Traditionally, the UK’s energy mix has consisted mainly of fossil fuels.

Question 6

What are the advantages of fossil fuels?

Answer 6

• Generate large amounts of cheap energy
• Provide a reliable supply of energy

Question 7

What are the disadvantages of fossil fuels?

Answer 7

• Release greenhouse gases, which cause pollution and contribute to global warming
• Will eventually run out

Question 8

What is renewable energy?

Answer 8

Renewable energy is non-finite, making it the most sustainable form of energy.

Question 9

What are some issues concerning renewable energy?

Answer 9

There are several issues concerning its reliability, efficiency, and initial set-up costs.

Question 10

How does wind energy work?

Answer 10

Generators in wind turbines convert the wind’s kinetic energy into electricity.

Question 11

What are the advantages of wind energy?

Answer 11

Wind produces no greenhouse gases. Once turbines have been set up, energy is cheap.

Question 12

What are the disadvantages of wind energy?

Answer 12

Set-up costs are high. Turbines are considered unsightly and cause noise pollution.

Question 13

How does solar energy work?

Answer 13

Solar panels are used to convert the Sun’s energy into electricity.

Question 14

What are the advantages of solar energy?

Answer 14

Solar energy produces no greenhouse gases. Once panels have been set up, energy is cheap.

Question 15

What are the disadvantages of solar energy?

Answer 15

No electricity is generated when there is no sunlight. Solar panels are expensive.

Question 16

How does tidal energy work?

Answer 16

Turbines convert kinetic energy in water currents and tides into electricity.

Question 17

What are the advantages of tidal energy?

Answer 17

Tides are guaranteed, predictable, and produce no greenhouse gases.

Question 18

What are the disadvantages of tidal energy?

Answer 18

Tidal barrages are costly to build and can disrupt ecosystems.

Question 19

How does hydro-electric power (HEP) work?

Answer 19

As trapped water is released from dams, its kinetic energy turns electric turbines.

Question 20

What are the advantages of hydro-electric power?

Answer 20

Once set up, HEP is cheap. Reservoirs provide a water supply during shortages.

Question 21

What are the disadvantages of hydro-electric power?

Answer 21

Set-up costs are high. When dams are built, habitats are often destroyed.

Question 22

What is biomass energy?

Answer 22

Organic material, such as animal waste or crops, are burned for energy or processed into biofuel.

Question 23

What are the advantages of biomass energy?

Answer 23

Biomass is affordable and renewable if resources are replaced (e.g. trees are replanted).

Question 24

What are the disadvantages of biomass energy?

Answer 24

Burning biomass releases CO2. Also, using wood for fuel can lead to deforestation.

Question 25

How do nuclear power stations generate heat?

Answer 25

Nuclear power stations generate heat by splitting uranium atoms in nuclear reactors.

Question 26

What is an advantage of nuclear power?

Answer 26

Nuclear power is very efficient and generates a lot of electricity.

Question 27

What is a disadvantage of nuclear power?

Answer 27

Nuclear power produces dangerous radioactive waste products that are difficult to dispose of.

Question 28

Why are energy storage systems needed?

Answer 28

Energy storage systems are needed to store electricity until it is required due to fluctuating energy demand.

Question 29

What is a kinetic pumped storage system?

Answer 29

A kinetic pumped storage system manages energy supply by pumping water to a higher reservoir when demand is low.

Question 30

How do batteries store energy?

Answer 30

Batteries store energy in a chemical form and convert it to electrical energy when needed.

Question 31

What happens to ordinary dry-cell batteries over time?

Answer 31

Ordinary dry-cell batteries go 'flat' and cannot supply electrical energy anymore once all reactants are consumed.

Question 32

What are alkaline batteries best used for?

Answer 32

Alkaline batteries are best used in devices that do not use much power, such as clocks and smoke detectors.

Question 33

What is a benefit of rechargeable batteries?

Answer 33

Rechargeable batteries can be reused and are better for the environment than alkaline batteries.

Question 34

What should be done with batteries to protect the environment?

Answer 34

Batteries should be recycled or disposed of correctly to prevent harm to the environment.