Using Energy

Question 1

What is a renewable energy resource?

Answer 1

An energy source which can be replenished as it is being used up

Question 2

Give four examples of renewable energy resources.

Answer 2

1. Wind Energy
2. Hydro-Electricity
3. Tidal Energy
4. Solar Energy

Question 3

Give an example of a non-renewable energy resource.

Answer 3

Fossil fuels (for example coal, oil and gas).

Question 4

What are the advantages of generating power using gas rather than coal?

Answer 4

• Flexible Generation: Gas power stations have short start-up times so can be switched on/off readily
• Lower emissions of carbon dioxide

Question 5

State two disadvantages of using renewable energy resources to generate power.

Answer 5

• Output often determined by external factors (like wind speed), so supply is uncertain
• Renewable fuels often produce less energy per kg (so are less economical)

Question 6

Explain the environmental impacts of burning fossil fuels.

Answer 6

• Carbon Dioxide contributes to the greenhouse effect, and causes global warming
• Sulphur Dioxide leads to acid rain, which can damage buildings and crops

Question 6

State three advantages of fossil fuels as an energy resource.

Answer 6

1. Reliable: Not dependent on external factors so can generate power anytime
2. Produce large amounts of energy per kg
3. Still relatively abundant, so cost-effective

Question 6

State three advantages of nuclear power.

Answer 6

1. Very large amounts of energy per kg of fuel
2. No greenhouse gases released, so doesn’t contribute to climate change
3. Low fuel costs

Question 7

State three disadvantages of nuclear power.

Answer 7

1. Produces nuclear waste which is harmful to humans & must be safety stored for centuries.
2. Non-Renewable energy source
3. Risk of nuclear accidents, which have fatal consequences on humans and the environment

Question 8

Give examples of social factors to consider in energy production.

Answer 8

• Visual Pollution
• Sound Pollution

Question 9

How does hydroelectric power produce energy?

Answer 9

• Rainwater collects behind a dam
• When this water is released, it is used to turn a turbine
• This turbine turns a generator which produces electricity

Question 10

What are some disadvantages of using biofuels?

Answer 10

• When plants are burned/decay they release CO2
• Growing biofuels reduces the land available for food crops

Question 11

What are the advantages of tidal energy sources?

Answer 11

• No greenhouse gases
• Fairly reliable - tides occur twice a day
• Cheap to run as tides are natural, so free

Question 12

What are the disadvantages of hydroelectric power?

Answer 12

• The dam may cause flooding
• It can cost a lot to install the required infrastructure

Question 13

What are some advantages of solar panels?

Answer 13

• They don’t cause harm to the environment
• They are a renewable resource
• They can be used in remote areas where other types of energy are less accessible