Energy resources

• What are the two categories of energy resources available on Earth?

  Renewable and non-renewable resources
• What are non-renewable energy resources?

  Fossil fuels and nuclear fuel
• What are the three main fossil fuels?

  Coal, oil, and natural gas
• Why are fossil fuels considered reliable energy sources?

  They can quickly respond to energy demand
• What is the cost advantage of fossil fuel extraction?

  It has low extraction costs
• What is a disadvantage of nuclear power plants?

  They are costly to build and decommission
• What environmental problem is caused by burning fossil fuels?

  Release of carbon dioxide (CO2)
• How can acid rain be reduced from fossil fuel emissions?

  By removing sulfur before burning fuel
• What are the consequences of oil spillages?

  They cause serious environmental problems
• What is a major risk associated with nuclear power?

  Potential for catastrophic events
• What are renewable energy resources?

  Energy sources that will never run out
• Name five types of renewable energy resources.

  Bio-fuels, wind, solar, hydro-electricity, tides
• What is a disadvantage of renewable energy resources?

  They can be unreliable due to weather
• What are bio-fuels made from?

  Plant products or animal dung
• Why are bio-fuels considered carbon neutral?

  They can be balanced by growing more plants
• What is a limitation of bio-fuels regarding energy demand?

  They cannot respond to immediate demands
• What is a concern regarding the production of bio-fuels?

  It may reduce space for food crops
• What environmental impact can result from clearing forests for bio-fuels?

  Loss of species' natural habitats
• What do wind turbines use to generate electricity?

  Wind to turn rotor blades
• What is a disadvantage of wind power?

  It only works when the wind blows
• What are solar cells made from?

  Silicon
• Where can solar power be used effectively?

  In remote areas like the Australian outback
• What is a disadvantage of solar power?

  It only works during daylight hours
• What is the process of producing hydro-electricity?

  Blocking a river with a dam
• What is a major environmental impact of hydro-electricity?

  Flooding valleys and habitat loss
• How does hydro-electricity respond to increased electricity demand?

  More water can be let out through turbines
• What is a disadvantage of tidal barrages?

  They can spoil the view and affect boat access
• What is a benefit of tidal energy?

  It is free and pollution-free
• What are the pros and cons of wind power?

  High initial costs but low running costs
• What are the pros and cons of solar power?

  High initial costs but no running costs
• What are the pros and cons of hydro-electricity?

  High initial costs but reliable energy source
• What are the pros and cons of tidal barrages?

  Moderate initial costs but reliable energy generation
• What should students know about energy resources?

  Pros and cons of solar, wind, and water
• What should be considered when replacing a coal-fired power station with a wind farm?

  Benefits and disadvantages of wind energy
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of fossil fuels and nuclear energy?

  Strengths:

  • Reliable energy sources
  • Low extraction costs for fossil fuels
  • Fossil fuel power plants are cheap to build

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Environmental problems (CO2 emissions, acid rain)
  • Fossil fuels are running out
  • Nuclear waste is dangerous and hard to dispose of
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of renewable energy resources?

  Strengths:

  • Will never run out
  • Less environmental damage than non-renewables

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Often unreliable due to weather
  • Generally lower energy output
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of bio-fuels?

  Strengths:

  • Renewable and can be produced continuously
  • Fairly reliable as crops can be grown year-round

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • High refining costs
  • Potential competition for land and water with food crops
  • Environmental impact from habitat loss
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of wind power?

  Strengths:

  • No pollution
  • Can generate electricity in large numbers

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • High initial costs
  • Only works when windy
  • Can spoil the view and be noisy
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of solar power?

  Strengths:

  • No pollution
  • Can be used in remote areas

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • High initial costs
  • Only works during daylight
  • Limited production in cloudy areas
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of hydro-electricity?

  Strengths:

  • Can respond quickly to demand
  • Minimal running costs after initial investment

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • High initial costs
  • Environmental impact from flooding valleys