Wind Energy

• What causes wind turbines to spin?


  Strong enough wind directed at them
• How do wind turbines gain kinetic energy?


  From collisions with air particles
• What happens to the kinetic energy gained by the turbine blades?


  It gets converted to electricity by a generator
• What does the spinning of the turbine drive?


  An electrical generator
• Where does the electricity generated by the turbine go?


  To the National Grid
• What is the purpose of gears in a wind turbine?


  To control how fast the turbine can safely spin
• What is a key characteristic of wind energy?


  It is clean and renewable
• What is the main issue with wind energy?

  It is unreliable and depends on weather conditions
• What happens when the wind is too weak for turbines?


  There is not enough force to overcome friction, and they can't spin
• What can happen if the wind is too strong for turbines?


  It could cause damage or overheating
• How do countries typically use wind energy in relation to fossil fuels?


  As a substitute when conditions allow
• What is a benefit of using wind energy over fossil fuels?


  Wind energy is clean and renewable
• What is a disadvantage of fossil fuels compared to wind energy?


  Fossil fuels are not renewable
• What are the overall advantages of wind energy?


  It is clean, renewable, and has low operating costs
• What are the disadvantages of wind energy?


  It is weather dependent and can harm wildlife
• How can offshore wind farms be beneficial?


  They avoid harming local wildlife and have a more reliable wind source
• What are the energy changes that take place in wind turbines?

  • Wind energy is converted to kinetic energy by turbine blades
  • Kinetic energy is converted to electrical energy by the generator
  • Electricity is sent to the National Grid
• What is the system for using wind energy as a substitute for fossil fuels?


  • Use wind energy when conditions are favorable
  • Switch to fossil fuels when wind conditions are poor
  • This allows for a more reliable energy supply
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of wind energy?


  Strengths:

  • Clean and renewable
  • Low operating costs
  • No emissions

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Weather dependent
  • Can harm wildlife
  • Local opposition to turbines