7.2 Energy Sources Uses & Management (DP IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS): SL): Flashcards
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Define renewable energy.
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Define renewable energy.
Renewable energy comes from energy sources that will not run out, such as wind, solar, tidal, biomass, geothermal and hydropower.
Define non-renewable energy.
Non-renewable energy comes from energy sources that will eventually run out, such as fossil fuels and nuclear energy.
Give one advantage of wind energy as a renewable source.
One advantage of wind energy is that no greenhouse gases or air pollutants are produced during operation.
Give one disadvantage of wind energy as a renewable source.
One disadvantage of wind energy is that it is an intermittent energy source, dependent on wind availability.
Why is solar energy useful in remote locations with no electricity supply?
Solar energy can be generated in remote places to power devices, such as street signs, without needing a connection to the electricity grid.
True or False?
Tidal energy is an unpredictable and unreliable source of energy.
False.
Tidal energy is predictable and reliable due to regular tidal patterns.
Why is biomass energy only considered carbon neutral under certain conditions?
Biomass energy is only carbon neutral if the resource, such as wood, is managed sustainably.
What is one advantage of geothermal energy in terms of land use?
Geothermal energy has a small land footprint compared to other renewable sources, such as wind and solar.
Give one disadvantage of hydropower relating to ecosystems.
One disadvantage of hydropower is the disruption of river ecosystems and fish migration routes.
The three main fossil fuels are coal, crude oil and .
The three main fossil fuels are coal, crude oil and natural gas.
Where did the chemical energy stored in fossil fuels originally come from?
The chemical energy stored in fossil fuels originally came from sunlight, captured by plants through photosynthesis.
True or False?
Fossil fuels are predicted to run out within the next 200 years.
True.
Fossil fuels are predicted to completely run out within the next 200 years.
Define nuclear fission.
Nuclear fission is the splitting of an atomic nucleus, which releases energy used in nuclear power stations to produce steam and turn turbines.
What is a major disadvantage of nuclear energy relating to waste?
Nuclear fuels produce radioactive waste, which needs to be stored safely for thousands of years.
Define energy sustainability.
Energy sustainability refers to meeting current energy demands without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
How does the extraction of fossil fuels affect the environment?
Extraction of fossil fuels, through mining and drilling, can destroy habitats and lead to soil erosion and water contamination.
Why is uranium mining for nuclear fuel environmentally costly?
Uranium mining for nuclear fuel is energy-intensive, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions during extraction.
True or False?
Renewable energy devices, such as solar panels and wind turbines, have no hidden environmental costs.
False.
Manufacturing and end-of-life disposal of renewable energy devices can cause significant, sometimes hidden, environmental damage.
Name one rare earth element used in wind turbine magnets and motors.
Neodymium is a rare earth element used in wind turbine magnets and motors.
Mining for rare earth elements can release toxic chemicals into nearby water sources, causing water .
Mining for rare earth elements can release toxic chemicals into nearby water sources, causing water contamination.
Define energy consumption.
Energy consumption is the total amount of energy used by individuals, industries and countries.
What percentage of the world's energy came from fossil fuels in 2022?
In 2022, 80% of the world's energy came from fossil fuels.
In 2022, renewable energy made up of the world's energy supply.
In 2022, renewable energy made up 12.7% of the world's energy supply.
Why is India's energy consumption rapidly increasing?
India's energy consumption is rapidly increasing as it develops its manufacturing sector and infrastructure.
By what year does the European Union aim to achieve carbon neutrality?
The European Union aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
Why do the steel and concrete industries still rely heavily on fossil fuels?
The steel and concrete industries rely heavily on coal and natural gas because renewable energy is not yet suitable for their high-energy processes.
What natural-gas-derived chemical is essential for producing synthetic fertilisers?
Ammonia, produced using natural gas, is a key ingredient in synthetic fertilisers.
How does Tesla's battery storage in Australia help manage renewable energy supply?
Tesla's battery storage systems in Australia store surplus solar energy for use at night or during low-wind periods.
True or False?
Energy efficiency and reducing energy consumption mean the same thing.
False.
Energy efficiency means using less energy for the same task, while reducing consumption means using energy less often or at lower levels.
Give an example of a policy used to improve building energy efficiency.
The UK government has introduced stricter building regulations requiring homes to be more energy efficient.
Define energy choices.
Energy choices are the decisions a country makes about how it generates and consumes energy.
Why might fossil fuels come with high long-term costs, despite being cheaper to develop initially?
Fossil fuels are often cheaper to develop initially but come with high environmental and long-term costs.
Why is the availability of renewable energy sources geographically dependent?
Renewable energy availability depends on geographic features, such as sunlight, wind or water availability.
True or False?
Energy security and resource availability mean the same thing.
False.
Availability refers to what resources are present in a country, while energy security is a country's ability to meet its energy needs reliably.
Why do renewables generally provide greater energy security than imported fossil fuels?
Renewables provide greater energy security because they are often produced locally and are not subject to international market fluctuations.
Countries with large reserves of coal, oil or natural gas are likely to rely on as a major energy source, due to availability.
Countries with large reserves of coal, oil or natural gas are likely to rely on fossil fuels as a major energy source, due to availability.
Give one reason why solar energy is becoming more cost-competitive with fossil fuels.
Solar energy is becoming more cost-competitive due to advances in technology and falling costs.
True or False?
Renewable energy sources produce large amounts of pollution during operation.
False.
Renewable energy sources produce little to no pollution during operation, unlike fossil fuels.
Define energy storage.
Energy storage is a system for storing energy so it can be released later, helping to manage supply from intermittent renewable sources.
Why do wind and solar power require energy storage systems?
Wind and solar power produce energy intermittently, only generating electricity when conditions such as wind or sunlight are right, so storage helps meet demand at other times.
Give a named example of a battery storage system used in homes.
Tesla Powerwall batteries store energy from solar panels and can supply power to homes during outages or high demand periods.
Define pumped hydroelectricity storage (PHS).
Pumped hydroelectricity storage (PHS) stores energy by pumping water to a higher reservoir when electricity is in surplus, then releasing it through turbines when demand is high.
Name a large-scale PHS system used to balance electricity supply in the UK.
Dinorwig Power Station in Wales is one of the largest PHS systems, used to balance electricity supply in the UK.
True or False?
PHS systems can be built in any location, regardless of landscape.
False.
PHS requires specific landforms, such as mountains and valleys, and large reservoirs, which limits where it can be built.
How do fuel cells generate electricity?
Fuel cells convert stored chemical energy, often hydrogen, directly into electricity.
Which country is investing in hydrogen fuel cells for vehicles and buildings as part of its energy transition?
Japan is investing in hydrogen fuel cells for its energy transition, particularly for powering vehicles and buildings.
The Crescent Dunes Solar Energy Project uses molten to store solar energy as heat, used to generate electricity after sunset.
The Crescent Dunes Solar Energy Project uses molten salt to store solar energy as heat, used to generate electricity after sunset.
Define peak-shaving.
Peak-shaving is the process of levelling out periods of high energy demand, using stored energy to ensure supply meets demand and avoid blackouts.
True or False?
Energy conservation and energy efficiency refer to the same thing.
False.
Energy conservation means changing behaviour to use less energy, while energy efficiency means using technology and design that require less energy for the same task.
Give one example of an energy conservation behaviour.
Turning off lights when not in use is an example of energy conservation, changing behaviour to use less energy.
Give one example of a technology that improves energy efficiency in buildings.
Double-glazed windows improve energy efficiency by keeping heat inside, reducing the need for heating systems.
LED bulbs use up to less energy than traditional bulbs.
LED bulbs use up to 80% less energy than traditional bulbs.
What is the aim of passive solar building design?
Passive solar design uses natural sunlight to heat buildings, reducing the need for artificial heating.
Define the circular economy.
The circular economy aims to reduce waste by designing products that can be easily reused, repaired or recycled, cutting the energy needed to produce new items.
By how much can wind-assisted propulsion, such as rotor sails, reduce fuel consumption in commercial shipping?
Wind-assisted propulsion, such as rotor sails, can reduce fuel consumption in commercial shipping by 10 to 30%.
True or False?
Energy conservation and efficiency make countries more dependent on importing energy resources.
False.
Energy conservation and efficiency make countries less dependent on importing energy resources, reducing costs and improving energy security.
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