National & Global Energy Resources Flashcards
All 20 cards in this deck
Name the main energy resources available for use on Earth.
Fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas), nuclear fuel, bio-fuel, wind, hydro-electricity, geothermal, the tides, the Sun and water waves.
What is a renewable energy resource?
One that is being (or can be) replenished as it is used.
Which energy resources are non-renewable?
Fossil fuels (coal, oil and gas) and nuclear fuel.
Name the three fossil fuels.
Coal, oil and gas.
What are the three main uses of energy resources named in the specification?
Transport, electricity generation and heating.
True or false? Nuclear fuel is a renewable energy resource because it does not release carbon dioxide.
False. Nuclear fuel (uranium) is non-renewable — it is not replenished as it is used; low carbon emissions do not make a resource renewable.
Which energy resources are mainly used for transport?
Oil (petrol and diesel) and bio-fuels; some vehicles use electricity.
Which energy resources are commonly used for heating homes?
Gas, oil, bio-fuel (wood), electricity, geothermal and solar (solar heating panels).
What is meant by a reliable energy resource?
One that can supply energy whenever it is needed, without depending on conditions such as weather.
Why is solar power an unreliable energy resource?
Output depends on light intensity, so it varies with the weather, time of day and season, and gives nothing at night.
Why are the tides more reliable than wind?
Tides occur predictably twice a day whatever the weather, whereas wind turbines stop when the wind is too weak or too strong.
True or false? Fossil fuel and nuclear power stations are reliable because they can supply energy whenever it is needed.
True. Their fuel is stored and burned/used on demand, though they still shut down for maintenance.
What are the steps to find a percentage increase from a graph or table of energy use?
e.g. gas-fired generation rises from 3200 to 10 000 units
- Find the increase:
- Divide by the original value:
- Multiply by 100: percentage increase
Which pollutant from burning fossil fuels causes acid rain?
Sulfur dioxide (and nitrogen oxides).
Which gas released by burning fossil fuels causes global warming (climate change)?
Carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas.
What environmental effect do particulates released by burning fossil fuels cause?
Global dimming, and breathing problems.
What is the main environmental problem with nuclear power?
Radioactive waste, which stays dangerous for a very long time and must be stored safely; there is also the risk of a major accident.
True or false? Renewable energy resources have no environmental impact at all.
False. They release no (or few) greenhouse gases in use, but can cause visual and noise pollution and destroy habitats, e.g. flooding valleys for hydro-electricity.
Why are environmental issues identified by science not always acted on?
Because of political, social, ethical and economic considerations, e.g. cost, jobs and public opinion.
What are the steps to use data to decide whether an energy resource can meet a peak in electricity demand?
e.g. demand rises by 3000 MW for 12 hours; a hydroelectric station supplies 1500 MW for a maximum of 5 hours
- Compare the power outputs: 1500 MW is less than the 3000 MW needed.
- Compare the times: 5 hours is less than the 12 hours needed.
- Decide: the hydroelectric station is not suitable, so a resource that can supply more power for longer (e.g. gas) is more suitable.