Physics - energy resources

• What is a renewable energy resource?

  An energy source that can be replenished
• What are 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
• What are two disadvantages of using renewable energy resources to generate power?

  • Supply is uncertain due to external factors
  • Other means are often more efficient
• What are the advantages of generating power using gas rather than coal?

  • Flexible generation with short start-up times
  • Lower emissions of carbon dioxide
• What are three advantages of fossil fuels as an energy resource?

  • Reliable and not dependent on external factors
  • Can produce large amounts of energy
  • Still relatively abundant and cost-effective
• What are the environmental impacts of burning fossil fuels?

  • Carbon Dioxide contributes to global warming
  • Sulphur Dioxide leads to acid rain
• What are three advantages of nuclear power?

  • Large amounts of energy from small fuel
  • No greenhouse gas emissions
  • Low fuel costs
• What are three disadvantages of nuclear power?

  • Produces harmful nuclear waste
  • Non-renewable energy source
  • Risk of nuclear accidents
• How does hydroelectric power produce energy?

  1. Rainwater collects behind a dam
  2. Water turns a turbine
  3. Turbine turns a generator to produce electricity
• What are some disadvantages of using biofuels?

  • CO2 released when burned or decayed
  • Land destruction for growth affects habitats
  • Reduces land available for food production
• What are the disadvantages of hydroelectric power?

  • Dams may cause flooding
  • High installation costs for infrastructure
• What are the advantages of tidal energy sources?

  • No greenhouse gas emissions
  • Reliable due to regular tides
  • Cheap to run as tides are free
• Give an example of a social factor that may deter certain types of energy production.

  Visual Pollution
• What are some advantages of solar panels?

  • No environmental harm
  • Renewable resource
  • Usable in remote areas