Sources of Energy

Question 1

Define energy

Answer 1

The ability of a system to do work.

Question 2

What are ‘renewable energy’ sources and give some examples.

Answer 2

Energy sources that cannot be used up e.g. solar energy, wind energy, geo-thermal, hydro energy.

Question 3

What are ‘non-renewable energy’ sources and give some examples.

Answer 3

Energy sources that will eventually be used up e.g. coal, gas and oil.

Question 4

What are fossil fuels?

Answer 4

Fuels that have been made from living matter a long time ago.

Question 5

What is global warming?

Answer 5

Gradual increase in Earth’s temperature due to the increase in the amount of greenhouse gas in the atmosphere.

Question 6

Name the two biggest users of coal in SA.

Answer 6

Eskom (to make electricity) and Sasol to make petrol and related petro-chemical products.

Question 7

What products are made from oil?

Answer 7

Petrol, diesel and parafin.

Question 8

Where are the main gas reserves found in South Africa.

Answer 8

Off the coast of Mossel Bay.

Question 9

What is the name of the fuel used in nuclear reactors?

Answer 9

Uranium

Question 10

What are the pros and cons of nuclear power?

Answer 10

PRO: No greenhouse gas emission. CON: Radioactive waste last for many years.

Question 11

What is the name of the major hydro-electricity dam in Mozambique that provides electricity to SA?

Answer 11

Cahora Bassa Dam on the Zambezi.