Energy resources

Question 1

What are non-renewable resources?

Answer 1

Non-renewable resources can’t be replaced and will eventually run out.

Question 2

What are the advantages of coal?

Answer 2

• fuel is cheap
• coal-burning power stations have a quick start-up time
• coal will last at least 100 years

Question 3

What are the disadvantages of coal?

Answer 3

• burning coal releases CO2 and SO2
• SO2 produces acid rain
• mining can be dangerous
• stockpiles are needed to meet demand

Question 4

What are the advantages of natural gas?

Answer 4

• gas fired power stations are efficient and have the quickest start-up time
• they are flexible at meeting demand for power
• gas will last for another 50 years
• gas does not produce S02

Question 5

What are the disadvantages of natural gas?

Answer 5

• burning gas releases CO2 (less than coal and oil)

- pipelines necessary for transporting gas are expensive

Question 6

What are the advantages of oil?

Answer 6

• oil-burning power stations have a quick start-up time

- there is enough oil left to last 50 years

Question 7

What are the disadvantages of oil?

Answer 7

• burning oil releases CO2 and SO2
• oil prices are extremely variable
• there is a danger of pillages and pollution during transport of oil by road, rail or sea

Question 8

What are the advantages of nuclear?

Answer 8

• nuclear power stations are located away from population centres
• it does not produce CO2 or SO2

Question 9

What are the disadvantages of nuclear?

Answer 9

• building and decommissioning a power station is expensive
• start-up time is the longest
• radioactive waste remains dangerous for thousands of years

Question 10

What is the greenhouse effect?

Answer 10

Infrared radiation emitted by the surface of the Earth is absorbed by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This causes the atmosphere to warm up in a process called the greenhouse effect.

Question 11

What are the 6 renewable energy sources available and how do they work?

Answer 11

• solar power turns light energy from the Sun into electrical energy, using solar cells
• wind power is used to rotate huge propeller blades on a turbine to generate electricity
• wave power is generated when large floats containing coils and magnets move up and down with ocean waves
• hydroelectric power is when fast-flowing water, stored in a reservoir above a power station, is used to generate electricity
• tidal power uses seawater from incoming and outgoing tides to create electricity
• biomass is organic material from decaying plant or animal waste that can be used as a fuel in a power station, in the same way as fossil fuels are. Wood can be used in a power station in a similar way.

Question 12

What are the advantages of solar power?

Answer 12

• useful in remote areas

- single homes can have their own electricity supply

Question 13

What is the disadvantage of solar power?

Answer 13

• no power at night or when cloudy

Question 14

What is the advantage of wind power?

Answer 14

• can be built offshore

Question 15

What are the disadvantages of wind power?

Answer 15

• can cause noise and visual pollution

- amount of electricity depends on the weather

Question 16

What is the advantage of wave and tidal power?

Answer 16

• ideal for island countries

Question 17

What is the disadvantage of wave and tidal power?

Answer 17

• may be opposed by local or environmental groups

Question 18

What is the advantage of hydroelectric power?

Answer 18

• creates water reserves as well as electricity supplies

Question 19

What is the disadvantage of hydroelectric power?

Answer 19

• can cause flooding of surrounding communities and landscapes

Question 20

What are the advantages of biomass and wood power?

Answer 20

• cheap and readily available source of energy if replaced

- biomass can be a long-term, sustainable energy source

Question 21

What are the disadvantages of biomass and wood power?

Answer 21

• gives off CO2 and SO2 when burnt

- biomass and wood are only renewable resources if crops and trees are replanted