fossil fuels and nuclear energy

• What is a fossil fuel?

  A hydrocarbon-containing material formed from dead organisms
• How are fossil fuels formed?

  From the remains of dead plants and animals
• What are the three main types of fossil fuels?

  • Coal
  • Oil
  • Natural gas
• What is one use of fossil fuels when burned?

  To provide heat for direct use
• How can heat from fossil fuels be used in engines?

  To power internal combustion engines in cars
• What is another application of heat generated from fossil fuels?

  To generate electricity
• How do the uses of fossil fuels differ in heating and electricity generation?

  Heating is for direct use, electricity generation is for power
• What is one pro of fossil fuels?

  Relatively cheap
• Why can fossil fuels be used in any condition?

  They don't require wind or sunshine to work
• What is a common use of fossil fuels in current infrastructure?

  Most cars use petrol or diesel
• What is a significant con of fossil fuels?

  They are a limited resource
• What greenhouse gas is produced when fossil fuels are burned?

  Carbon dioxide
• How do fossil fuels contribute to global warming?

  By producing carbon dioxide when burned
• What toxic gases can be produced from burning fossil fuels?

  Sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide
• What are the pros and cons of fossil fuels?

  Pros:

  • Relatively cheap
  • Can be used in any condition
  • Current infrastructure supports fossil fuel use

  
  

  Cons:

  • Limited resource
  • Produces carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas
  • Can produce toxic gases like sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide
• What is nuclear energy obtained from?

  Nuclear reactions
• What type of nuclear reaction is commonly used in power stations?

  Nuclear fission reactions
• How is nuclear energy utilized in power stations?

  To generate electricity
• What can electricity generated from nuclear energy be used for?

  To power homes and factories
• How does electricity generated from nuclear energy reach consumers?

  It is transmitted across the country
• What do nuclear fuels not produce?

  Pollutants like sulphur dioxide
• Why is nuclear power advantageous in terms of environmental conditions?

  It doesn't depend on environmental forces
• What is a characteristic of nuclear fuel like uranium?

  It is a limited resource
• How long is it likely that nuclear fuel will last?

  Very long time before running out
• What are the pros of nuclear energy?

  • No pollutants like sulphur dioxide or greenhouse gases
  • Operates independently of environmental conditions
  • Limited resource but unlikely to run out soon
• What is a finite resource mentioned in nuclear energy cons?

  Nuclear fuels like uranium
• Why is uranium considered a finite resource?

  Because it is limited in availability
• What type of waste do nuclear power stations produce?

  Radioactive waste
• Why must radioactive waste be stored carefully?

  It remains harmful for thousands of years
• What is one of the financial drawbacks of nuclear energy?

  It is quite expensive
• What is a potential risk associated with nuclear power stations?

  Chance of a nuclear meltdown
• What could happen if a nuclear meltdown occurs?

  Release of large amounts of radioactive material
• How long does radioactive waste remain harmful?

  For thousands of years
• What is a key characteristic of nuclear fuels used in power stations?

  They are used in very tiny amounts
• What is the relationship between the cost of nuclear energy and its drawbacks?

  Nuclear energy is expensive and has risks