Producing Electrical Energy

Question 1

What are the three main ways to produce electricity for use in the national grid?

Answer 1

1. Burning fuel in power stations
2. Using turbines driven by water or air
3. Converting light energy with photovoltaic solar cells

These methods are commonly used in various power generation setups.

Question 2

What is the role of a boiler in a power station?

Answer 2

To provide heat energy to water, turning it into steam

This steam is essential for driving turbines in coal, oil, and gas power stations.

Question 3

How does a turbine produce electricity in a power station?

Answer 3

It is connected to a generator and turns when driven by steam or other forces

The turbine’s movement is crucial for generating electrical energy.

Question 4

What type of energy do photovoltaic (PV) solar cells convert?

Answer 4

Light energy directly to electrical energy

This technology is key for harnessing solar power.

Question 5

True or False: Nuclear power stations burn fuel in the same way as coal, oil, and gas power stations.

Answer 5

False

Nuclear fuel does not burn and does not release CO2.

Question 6

What is the primary function of a generator in a power station?

Answer 6

To produce electricity

Generators convert mechanical energy from turbines into electrical energy.

Question 7

Fill in the blank: Hydroelectric, tidal, wave, and wind generators use _______ to turn turbines.

Answer 7

Water or air

These natural elements drive the turbines in these types of power generation.

Question 8

What is the process that occurs in a typical power station using coal, oil, or gas?

Answer 8

Fuel is burned to heat water, producing steam that turns a turbine connected to a generator

This is a fundamental operation in thermal power stations.

Question 9

What happens to water in a boiler during electricity production?

Answer 9

It changes to steam

The steam is essential for driving turbines.