National & Global Energy Resources

• What are energy resources?

  Large stores of energy that can be used to generate electricity and heat homes and businesses
• How is electricity generated regardless of the energy resource used?

  A turbine is turned, which turns a generator, generating electricity
• What is the key element that differs in electricity generation from various energy resources?

  The method used to turn the turbine
• In hydroelectric systems, what is used to turn the turbines?

  Water
• How does energy transfer occur in hydroelectric dams?

  From the kinetic store of flowing water to the turbine, then to the generator, and finally to the National Grid
• What type of energy is transferred in a hydroelectric dam?

  Gravitational potential energy to kinetic energy
• How do fossil fuels generate electricity?

  By combusting to heat water, producing steam that turns turbines
• What is the energy transfer process in fossil fuel electricity generation?

  Chemical store of fuel → thermal store of water → kinetic store of turbine → kinetic store of generator

  
• How does nuclear fuel generate electricity?

  By heating water to produce steam that turns turbines
• What is the energy transfer process in a nuclear power plant?

  Nuclear store of fuel → thermal store of water → kinetic store of turbine → kinetic store of generator
• How does geothermal energy produce steam?

  By pumping water down to hot rocks and returning it as steam

  
• What happens to cold water in geothermal energy systems?

  It is heated by rocks and returned as hot water or steam

  
• What defines a renewable energy resource?

  • An energy source that is replenished faster than it is used
  • Will not run out
• What are examples of renewable energy resources?

  • Solar energy
  • Wind
  • Bio-fuel
  • Hydroelectricity
  • Geothermal
  • Tidal

  
• What are examples of non-renewable energy resources?

  • Fossil Fuels (coal, oil, natural gas)
  • Nuclear fuel

  
• What are the three main uses of energy resources?

  1. Transport
  2. Electricity generation
  3. Heating
• What fuels the majority of vehicles worldwide?

  Petroleum products such as petrol, diesel, and kerosene
• What is an advantage of electric vehicles?

  They produce zero carbon emissions while being driven
• What is a disadvantage of electric vehicles?

  They are charged using a grid that combines renewable and non-renewable sources
• What is a benefit of biofuels?

  They are a renewable resource
• What is a major concern regarding biofuels?

  The claim that they are carbon-neutral is controversial
• Why is there a high demand for electricity globally?

  Due to the growing population of over 8 billion people
• What percentage of the world's energy is produced by non-renewable sources?

  84%
• What is a common negative impact of non-renewable energy sources?

  They emit carbon and negatively impact the environment
• What is the primary heating resource in cold countries?

  Natural gas
• What is a reliable energy resource?

  One that can produce energy at any time
• What is a non-reliable energy resource?

  One that can only produce energy some of the time
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of different energy resources?

  Advantages:

  • Renewable resources will not run out
  • Can produce energy sustainably

  
  

  Disadvantages:

  • Non-renewable resources can deplete
  • Environmental impact from carbon emissions

  
• What are the main challenges of using fusion as a power source?

  High temperatures and pressures are difficult to achieve and maintain
• Why is fusion not currently a viable energy source?

  Only a small amount of fusion can take place, which is not useful for current energy needs
• What has been the trend in fossil fuel use in the UK over the past 30 years?

  It has dropped from 75% to 38%
• What has been the trend in renewable energy use in the UK over the past 30 years?

  It has increased from 2% to 35%
• What is the main reason for switching from coal to natural gas in the UK?

  Coal produces the most carbon dioxide, while natural gas produces the least
• What is the Greenhouse Effect?

  It is caused by the increased concentration of greenhouse gases, mainly methane and carbon dioxide
• How does the process of global warming occur?

  The Sun emits rays that enter the Earth’s atmosphere, and some infrared radiation is trapped by greenhouse gases

  
• What are some consequences of increased Earth's temperature due to climate change?

  Sea level rise, extinction of species, and spread of diseases
• What is predicted to happen by 2050 if carbon emissions are not drastically reduced?

  Many consequences of climate change will have taken full effect
• What are the environmental issues related to energy resources?

  • Need to limit carbon emissions to combat climate change
  • Shift towards cleaner technologies
  • Development of renewable energy sources
  • Political, social, ethical, and economic considerations must be addressed