1.3

• What is a renewable energy resource?

  An energy source which can be replenished as it is being used up.
• Give four examples of renewable energy resources.

  Wind Energy, Hydro-Electricity, Tidal Energy, Solar Energy.
• Give an example of a non-renewable energy resource.

  Fossil fuels (for example coal, oil, and gas).
• What are the advantages of generating power using gas rather than coal?

  Gas power stations have short start-up times and lower emissions of carbon dioxide.
• State two disadvantages of using renewable energy resources to generate power.

  Output often determined by external factors, and generating power through other means is often more efficient.
• Explain the environmental impacts of burning fossil fuels.

  Carbon Dioxide contributes to the greenhouse effect, and Sulphur Dioxide leads to acid rain.
• State three advantages of fossil fuels as an energy resource.

  Reliable, can produce large amounts of energy, and still relatively abundant.
• State three advantages of nuclear power.

  Very large amounts of energy, doesn’t release greenhouse gases, and low fuel costs.
• State three disadvantages of nuclear power.

  Produces nuclear waste, non-renewable energy source, and risk of nuclear accidents.
• How does hydroelectric power produce energy?

  Rainwater collects behind a dam, is released to turn a turbine, which turns a generator to produce electricity.
• What are some disadvantages of using biofuels?

  They release CO2 when burned, require land that could be used for food, and may destroy natural habitats.
• What are the advantages of tidal energy sources?

  They do not produce greenhouse gases, are reliable, and are cheap to run.
• What are the disadvantages of hydroelectric power?

  The dam may cause flooding and can be costly to install the required infrastructure.
• What are some advantages of solar panels?

  They don’t harm the environment, are renewable, and can be used in remote areas.
• Give examples of social factors which may act as a deterrent for certain types of energy production.

  Visual pollution and sound pollution are examples of social factors.