Energy Resources

Question 1

Cons of solar cells (3)

Answer 1

• only generates electricity when it is sunny
• visual pollution
• take up a lot of space
• output depends on geographical location

Question 2

Energy transfers that are involved in generating electricity in HEP (6)

Answer 2

• reduction in GPE store of the water
• mechanical work done on turbine (GPE of water converted to KE)
• increase in KE store of turbine
• mechanical work done on generator
• increase in KE store of generator (KE of turbine converted to KE of generator)
• idea of electrical work done on grid (KE of generator converted to electrical energy)

Question 3

Cons of nuclear fission

Answer 3

• radioactive waste
• risk of nuclear accident

Question 4

Pros of solar cells

Answer 4

• solar is renewable
• no air pollution / greenhouse gases
• no fuel cost (sunlight is free)

Question 5

Pros of using solar rather than fossil fuels (4)

Answer 5

• no carbon emissions
• solar is renewable
• low maintenance
• no contribution to global warming / greenhouse effect

Question 6

Cons of using solar rather than fossil fuels (4)

Answer 6

• needs lots of space
• needs favorable climate
• doesn’t work at night
• cannot respond to (rapid) changes in demand

Question 7

Pros of natural gas

Answer 7

• reliable (always available)
• electricity generation can change to meet demand

Question 8

Cons of natural gas

Answer 8

• burning gases produces CO2 (causing air pollution, global warming)
• non-renewable

Question 9

Pros of wave power

Answer 9

• renewable
• doesn’t produce any polluting gases

Question 10

Cons of wave power

Answer 10

• waves might not always be preset
• possible storm damage to generators
• may cause harm to wildlife

Question 11

Pros of HEP

Answer 11

• water is renewable
• no fuel cost
• no air pollution / greenhouse gases
• always available

Question 12

Why the output power of HEP isn’t always the same / at maximum

Answer 12

• electricity demand varies
• water level in reservoir varies
• water may not be available as readily at certain times of the year

Question 13

What energy store of turbine increases when accelerates

Answer 13

Kinetic

Question 14

What energy store of turbine increases when kinda afk (constant speed)

Answer 14

Thermal