Energy resources Flashcards
(13 cards)
What do we use energy for?
We use energy for heating, transport and electricity.
What renewable energy resources are there?
Bio-fuel, wind, hydroelectricity, geothermal, the tides, the sun and water waves.
What non renewable energy resources are there?
Fossil fuels (coal, oil and gas) and nuclear fuel.
What is a renewable energy source?
A renewable energy source is an energy source that will not run out as it can be replenished.
What is a non renewable energy source?
A non renewable energy source is an energy source that will run out as we are using it faster than it is being produced.
Why are some energy sources more reliable than others?
Non renewable energy resources can be used at any time whilst some resources such as solar only work during specific times and so are unreliable. Hydroelectricity doesn’t work if reservoirs are dry. Tidal can’t work all the time as it is dependent on the times of high tide and low tide. Wind and waves don’t produce much energy on calm days.
Why does energy demand vary?
Different times of the day require more or less energy e.g the afternoon most people get home and use more energy.
How do power stations generate energy?
Power stations heat water to produce steam which is then used to turn a turbine which is connected to a generator that produces energy.
What are the advantages of non renewable resources?
Non renewable resources produce lots of energy per Kg, they are relatively cheap, nuclear power stations produce no greenhouse gases and much more energy per Kg.
What are the disadvantages of non renewable resources?
Burning fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases as well as sulfur dioxide which can cause acid rain. Nuclear power stations produce radioactive waste which has to be stored for centuries before becoming safe, furthermore nuclear power stations also have the risk of exploding.
What are the advantages of using renewable resources?
Renewable resources will never run out, don’t produce greenhouse gases, don’t produce radioactive waste and don’t require large stations - for example some houses can just have solar panels on their roof or wind turbines can be placed wherever there is enough wind.
What are the disadvantages of using renewable resources?
Renewable resources can’t currently meet demand for energy worldwide and some resources are unreliable and aren’t always available. Wind turbines are noisy and unsightly by some, tidal barrages affect river estuaries and many creatures habitats, hydroelectricity needs lots of water which can affect nearby plant and animal life, solar cells need lots of area to produce large amount of power.
Why don’t we completely use renewable energy resources?
Science can identify environmental issues from energy resources but can’t always deal with them because of political, social, ethical or economic considerations.
