P3.3 - Power From The Sun And The Earth (Finished)

Question 1

What are some advantages of solar power?

Answer 1

• There is no pollution
• Can be very reliable in sun in day
• No running cost

Question 2

How does a solar power tower work?

Answer 2

Thousands of flat mirrors reflect sunlight onto a water tank on the top of a tower. It is turned to steam and piped down to ground level then used to tuen generators

Question 3

How does geothermal energy work?

Answer 3

1) Come from energy released by radioactive substances deep in the Earth
2) It heats surrounding rock which is transferred upwards
3) Water is pumped down to these rocks to produce steam and turn a turbine

Question 4

What are 2 disadvantages of geothermal power?

Answer 4

• There aren’t very many suitable locations

- The cost of building a power plant is very high compared to energy produced