3.1.1 Renewable Energy

• Renewable resources are replenished by natural processes, making them sustainable

  True
• Why is the initial investment cost higher for renewable energy compared to non-renewable energy?

  Advanced technology required
• Solar energy is derived from the sun's radiation
• Match the type of renewable energy with its source:

  Wind energy ↔️ Kinetic energy of wind

  Solar energy ↔️ Sun's radiation

  Geothermal energy ↔️ Earth's interior heat
• Renewable energy is derived from natural processes that are replenished at a rate comparable to or faster than their rate of consumption
• Renewable energy has lower carbon emissions compared to fossil fuels
• Non-renewable energy relies on finite supplies, while renewable energy is naturally replenished


  True
• What type of energy is wind energy derived from?

  Kinetic energy
• Biomass energy is derived from organic matter such as plants and agricultural waste

  True
• What type of electrical current is generated directly by photovoltaic cells?

  Direct current (DC)
• In solar energy conversion, sunlight excites electrons in a semiconductor
• What is a key difference between renewable and non-renewable energy in terms of sustainability?

  Finite vs. replenished
• What is a key sustainability characteristic of renewable energy compared to non-renewable energy?

  Replenished naturally
• Renewable energy resources are widely available, while non-renewable resources have limited availability
• What are two primary technologies used to capture solar energy?

  Photovoltaic cells, solar thermal collectors
• Hydroelectric power utilizes dams or tidal movements to generate electricity from the flow of water
• Biomass energy is derived from organic matter like plants and agricultural waste.

  True
• Match the type of renewable energy with its source:

  Solar ↔️ Sunlight

  Wind ↔️ Wind

  Hydroelectric ↔️ Flowing water

  Geothermal ↔️ Earth's heat

  Biomass ↔️ Organic matter
• Sunlight hitting a PV cell excites electrons within the semiconductor material, generating electricity.


  True
• What is a key disadvantage of solar energy compared to other renewable sources?

  Higher initial cost
• Wind turbines convert the kinetic energy of wind into rotational energy to drive an electrical generator.


  True
• In wind energy, DC electricity is converted to alternating current (AC) using an inverter
• Renewable energy sources have lower carbon emissions compared to fossil fuels
• Steps in the process of power generation from solar energy

  1️⃣ Sunlight hits the PV cell

  2️⃣ Solar photons excite electrons

  3️⃣ Electrical potential difference is created

  4️⃣ DC electricity is produced

  5️⃣ DC electricity is converted to AC
• What type of energy does wind energy harness?

  Kinetic energy
• DC electricity from wind turbines is converted to AC using an inverter.


  True
• The reliability of wind power generation depends on local weather patterns.

  True
• Steps in the process of generating electricity from wind energy

  1️⃣ Wind blows across the blades of the wind turbine, causing them to rotate.

  2️⃣ The rotating blades turn a shaft connected to an electrical generator.

  3️⃣ The generator converts the mechanical energy into electrical current (DC).

  4️⃣ The DC electricity is converted to AC using an inverter.

  5️⃣ The AC electricity is fed into the electrical grid.
• Why is hydroelectric power considered location-dependent?

  Requires sufficient water flow
• Match the renewable energy source with its primary technology:

  Wind energy ↔️ Wind turbines

  Solar energy ↔️ Photovoltaic cells

  Hydroelectric power ↔️ Dams, turbines
• In geothermal energy, steam or hot water is used to turn turbines
• What type of electrical current is produced by geothermal energy to feed into the power grid?

  Alternating current (AC)
• The availability of geothermal energy is widely accessible across all regions.

  False
• Biomass energy is less dependent on weather conditions compared to wind energy.


  True
• What ensures the sustainability of renewable energy sources?

  Replenished naturally
• Wind energy uses the kinetic energy of wind to turn turbines
• Hydroelectric power relies solely on dams to generate electricity.

  False
• Biomass energy has lower environmental impacts compared to fossil fuels.


  True
• Order the process of generating electricity from solar energy using PV cells:

  1️⃣ Sunlight hits the PV cell

  2️⃣ Electrons are excited, generating electrical potential

  3️⃣ DC electricity is produced

  4️⃣ Inverter converts DC to AC electricity
• Wind energy harnesses the kinetic energy of wind to drive electrical generators