Energy Resources Flashcards
(23 cards)
What is an energy resource?
A natural source of energy that can be used to generate power or fuel.
Name three types of energy resources.
Fossil fuels, renewable energy resources, and nuclear energy.
What are fossil fuels?
Fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas formed from ancient plants and animals.
Why are fossil fuels considered non-renewable?
Because they take millions of years to form and cannot be replaced quickly.
Give examples of renewable energy resources.
Solar energy, wind energy, hydroelectric power, and biomass.
What is nuclear energy?
Energy released from splitting atoms (nuclear fission) in nuclear power plants.
: What are the advantages of renewable energy?
They are sustainable, reduce pollution, and do not run out.
What is a disadvantage of fossil fuels?
They produce greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change.
How does solar energy work?
Solar panels convert sunlight directly into electricity.
Solar panels convert sunlight directly into electricity.
Energy produced from burning organic materials like wood or crop waste.
What type of energy resource is coal?
Fossil fuel.
Name one renewable energy resource that uses wind.
Wind energy.
What type of energy is released by splitting atoms?
Nuclear energy.
Renewable Energy Advantages
They are sustainable and won’t run out.
They produce little or no pollution, so they are better for the environment.
Nonrenewable Energy Advantages
They provide a large amount of energy and can supply power consistently.
Infrastructure for fossil fuels is already well-developed and widely used.
Renewable Energy Disadvantages
Some sources (like solar and wind) can be unreliable because they depend on weather conditions.
Initial setup costs for renewable energy systems can be high.
Non-renewable Energy Disadvantages
They produce greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change and air pollution.
They are finite resources and will eventually run out.
Wind Power Advantages
Renewable and won’t run out.
Produces no greenhouse gas emissions while generating electricity.
Tidal Power Advantages
Predictable and reliable because tides follow a regular schedule.
Renewable and produces no pollution during operation.
Geothermal Energy Advantages
Provides a constant and stable energy supply (not weather-dependent).
Low emissions and small land footprint compared to fossil fuels.
Solar Power Advantages
Renewable and abundant — sunlight is available almost everywhere.
Produces no greenhouse gases or pollution during use.
Hydroelectric Power Advantages
Renewable and reliable with consistent water flow.
Can store energy using pumped storage systems.
Biomass Energy Advantages
Uses waste materials, reducing landfill.
Carbon-neutral if managed sustainably.
