Energy resources

• What is the primary function of energy resources?

  To supply or store energy.
• What is the difference between renewable and non-renewable energy resources?

  Renewable resources can be replenished as fast or faster than they are used, while non-renewable resources cannot.
• What is the unit of energy?

  Joules (J).
• How much energy does a man transfer when moving a wheelbarrow if he transfers 100 J?

  100 J of energy is transferred.
• What type of energy is stored in uranium?

  Nuclear energy.
• What is gravitational potential energy?

  Energy stored by an object lifted against the force of gravity.
• What is a key fact about renewable energy resources?

  They can be replenished as fast or faster than they are used.
• How are renewable resources replenished?

  Through human action or natural processes.
• What is hydroelectricity?

  Electricity generated by the movement of water.
• What is the water cycle?

  The continuous movement of water on, above, and below the Earth.
• What is the impact of fossil fuels on the environment?

  They release CO₂, causing global warming.
• What type of waste is produced by nuclear fuels?

  Radioactive waste that needs to be disposed of safely.
• What is the power output of fossil fuels?

  High.
• What is the power output of wind energy?

  Very low.
• What is the impact of wind energy on the environment?

  It takes up large areas that could be used for farming and may spoil views.
• What is the power output of hydroelectricity?

  Medium.
• What is the environmental impact of hydroelectricity?

  Local habitats are affected by the large areas that need to be flooded to build dams.
• What is geothermal energy used for?

  Electricity generation and heating.
• What is the power output of geothermal energy?

  Medium.
• What is the impact of tidal energy on the environment?

  Tidal barrages can block sewage that needs to go out to sea.
• What is the power output of solar energy?

  Potentially very high, but hard to harness.
• What is the environmental impact of solar energy?

  Very little.
• What is the power output of water waves energy?

  Low.
• What is the environmental impact of water waves energy?

  Very low.
• What are the main features of fossil fuels, nuclear fuels, biofuels, wind, hydroelectricity, geothermal, tides, solar, and water waves energy resources?

  • Fossil Fuels: Non-renewable, high power output, releases CO₂.
  • Nuclear Fuels: Non-renewable, very high power output, produces radioactive waste.
  • Biofuels: Renewable, medium power output, carbon-neutral.
  • Wind: Renewable, very low power output, takes up large areas.
  • Hydroelectricity: Renewable, medium power output, affects local habitats.
  • Geothermal: Renewable, medium power output, very low impact.
  • Tides: Renewable, potentially very high power output, hard to harness.
  • Solar: Renewable, potentially very high power output, very little impact.
  • Water Waves: Renewable, low power output, very low impact.
• How do fossil fuel power stations compare to renewable energy sources in terms of reliability?

  Fossil fuel and nuclear power stations are very reliable and operate almost continuously.
• Why are gas power stations used when additional power is needed?

  Because they can come on very quickly and start generating electricity almost immediately.
• What is the cost implication of nuclear power stations?

  The fuel is relatively cheap, but the power stations are expensive to build and decommission.
• How long does radioactive waste need to be stored?

  For millions of years before it reduces to a safe level.
• Why are water power sources considered reliable and predictable?

  Because of the Moon causing the tides and rainfall filling reservoirs.
• What is a disadvantage of many renewable sources of energy?

  They are unreliable and cannot respond to increased demand.
• What is a common characteristic of renewable resources regarding fuel costs?

  They have no fuel costs.
• What is the cost implication of the equipment used for renewable energy sources?

  The equipment used is expensive to build.