energy resources

• what are the three fossil fuels

  • oil
  • gas
  • coal
• what are advantages of wind turbines

  • produce no pollution (renewable)
• what are disadvantages of wind turbines

  • they are not visually pleasing
  • can be very noisy
  • relies on wind so can be unreliable
• Solar cells are renewable
• Solar cells can be expensive initially but after they are set up the energy is free, and they only work in the day
• geothermal power uses energy in the thermal energy stores of hot underground rocks to generate electricity
• the source of the energy from geothermal power is the slow decay of various radioactive elements, steam and hot water rise to the surface and are used to drive a turbine, which turns a generator and generates electricity
• Some disadvantages of geothermal energy is that there arent many suitable locations for power stations and the cost of building is high
• hydroelectric power stations require a flooding of a valley by building a big dam and water is allowed out a controlled rate by turbines
• The flooding from hydroelectric power stations can lead to rotting vegetation and loss of habitats. The reservoirs when dried up are also not visually pleasing.
• AN advantage of hydroelectric power stations is there is an immediate response to an increased demand for electricity
• Energy can be generated from water waves by needing lots of small wave-powered turbines around the coast which drives the generator
• The main problem with wave power is disturbing the seabed and marine wildlife and are unreliable since waves become smaller when there is less wind
• tidal barrages are big dams built across river estuaries with turbines in them, as the tide comes in the water is allowed out through turbines
• Tidal barrages cause no pollution but they alter the wildlife habitat, prevent boat access and spoil the view.
• Tides are reliable since they happen twice a day without fail, however lower tides will provide significantly less energy.
• Bio-fuels are created from plant products or animal poop, they can be solid liquid or gas and work the same way as fossil fuels
• Bio fuels made from plants are carbon neutral since the plants absorb co2 as they are growing, so when the waste is burned, co2 is re-released into the atmosphere, having a neutral effect