Using Energy

• What is a renewable energy source?

  An energy source which can be replenished as it is being used up.
• Examples of renewable energy resources.

  Wind Energy, Hydro-Electricity, Tidal Energy, Solar Energy
• Advantages of generating power using gas rather than coal?

  Flexible generation, gas power stations have short start-up times so can be switched on/off more readily. Lower emissions of carbon dioxide.
• Disadvantages of using renewable energy resources.

  Output often determined by external factors (like wind speed), so supply is uncertain. Renewable fuel often produce less energy per kg (so are less economical).
• Explain the environmental impacts of burning fossil fuels.

  Carbon dioxide - greenhouse effect, Sulphur dioxide - acid rain, damages buildings and crops.
• Advantages of fossil fuels.

  Reliable, not dependant on external factors. Produce large amounts of energy per kg, cost effective.
• Advantages of nuclear power.

  Very large amount of energy per kg of fuel, no greenhouse gases released and low fuel costs.
• Disadvatages of nuclear power.

  Produces nuclear waste which is hard to dispose of, non-renewable, risk of nuclear accidents.
• Social factors to be considered in energy production.

  Visual pollution and sound pollution, disadvantages of wind farms.
• How does hydroelectric power work?

  Rainwater collects behind a damn, when realised, it turns a turbine, which turns a generator.
• Disadvantages of using biofuels?

  Plants release CO2 when burned, land destruction required (Habitat destruction and CO2 released when plants cleared), growing biofuels reduces land available for food crops.
• Advantages of tidal energy sources.

  No greenhouse gases, fairly reliable, twice a day, cheap to run as tides are natural, so free.
• Disadvantages of hydroelectric power.

  The dam may cause flooding, can cost a lot to install the required infrastructure.
• Advantages of solar panels?

  Renewable energy, don’t harm the environment, can be used in remote areas where other sources are less accessible.