Science (GCSE Physics) - Energy Resources

Question 1

How are coal, oil and gas made?

Answer 1

1. Millions of years ago, animals and plants died and sank to the bottom of oceans
2. They were covered in mud, clay, sand which turned into sedimentary rock.
3. As more sediment covered the rock, the pressure and temperature increased which heate the animal and plants remains.
4. The heat and pressure change the remains into coal, oil, gas.

Question 2

Name 4 non-renewables.

Answer 2

Coal, oil, natural gas, nuclear

Question 3

Name 5 renewables.

Answer 3

Solar, wind, tidal, wave, hydroelectric, geothermal, biofuel

Question 4

Step by step explain how electricity is generated at a power station (specifically coal)

Answer 4

1. Resources transported to power station by train or truck.
2. Coal is used as a fuel to heat water.
3. Water is turned into steam in the boiler.
4. The steam turns the turbines.
5. Generator makes electricity.
6. Steam is cooled in cooling towers.
7. Transformer changes the voltage.

Question 5

How is energy generated in a nuclear power station?

Answer 5

1. Pellets of uranium in control rods are used to heat water
2. Water is turned into steam in the boiler.
3. The steam turns the turbines.
4. Generator makes electricity.
5. Steam is cooled in cooling towers.
6. Transformer changes the voltage.

Question 6

What is bioethanol?

Answer 6

A fuel made by fermenting sugar with yeast

Question 7

What is biogas?

Answer 7

A mixture of methane and carbon dioxide

Question 8

What is fermentation?

Answer 8

The process of using yeast to convert sugars into ethanol.

Question 9

What are biofuels made from?

Answer 9

Living organisms or a by-product of the waste they produce

Question 10

How is biogas produced?

Answer 10

When microorganisms digest waste material

Question 11

How is bioethanol made?

Answer 11

Bio-Ethanol is made by fermenting sugar with yeast

Question 12

How does wind power work?

Answer 12

Wind spins turbine blades.
Blades spin generator.
Generator makes electricity

Question 13

How does wave power work?

Answer 13

Waves spins turbine blades.
Blades spin generator.
Generator makes electricity

Question 14

How does tidal power work?

Answer 14

Tide makes water goes up.
Water pushes and spins turbines.
Generator makes electricity

Question 15

How is hydroelectric power made?

Answer 15

Water from reservoir is released.
Water spins turbines
Generator makes electricity

Question 16

Name 3 advantages of tidal power.

Answer 16

• No pollution.
• Free energy resource.
• Can predict the tides.
• Infinite resource.
• Low maintenance cost.

Question 17

Name disadvantages of tidal power.

Answer 17

• Cost of setup is high.
• Generation is for a short periods at tide peaks.
• Few ideal locations along coastlines.
• Can disrupt sea life.

Question 18

Name 3 advantages of wave pepper

Answer 18

• No pollution.
• Free energy resource.
• Infinite resource.
• Low maintenance cost.

Question 19

Name 3 disadvantages of wave power.

Answer 19

• Cost of setup is high.
• Weather dependant
• Few ideal locations along coastlines.
• Can disrupt sea life.
• Must withstand harsh storms.

Question 20

Name 3 advantages of hydroelectric power.

Answer 20

• no pollutions
• renewable
• can be a tourist attractions
• reliable
• low maintenance

Question 21

Name 3 disadvantages of hydroelectric power.

Answer 21

• expensive to build
• ugly
• could disturb wildlife
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