National & Global Energy Resources (AQA GCSE Physics): Flashcards
Exam code: 8463
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Describe the general process by which most energy resources are used to generate electricity.
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Describe the general process by which most energy resources are used to generate electricity.
A turbine is turned, which turns a generator, which generates electricity. What differs between energy resources is how the turbine is made to turn.
Describe the energy transfers involved in generating electricity from fossil fuels.
Chemical store of fuel → thermal store of water → kinetic store of turbine → kinetic store of generator → transferred electrically to the National Grid.
Describe the energy transfers involved in generating electricity from a nuclear power plant.
Nuclear store of fuel → thermal store of water → kinetic store of turbine → kinetic store of generator.
How is steam produced in a geothermal power station?
Water is pumped down to hot rocks underground and returns through a fissure as steam, which is used to turn turbines.
A hydroelectric dam transfers energy from the gravitational potential energy store of the water to its kinetic energy store ______ to turn a turbine.
A hydroelectric dam transfers energy from the gravitational potential energy store of the water to its kinetic energy store mechanically to turn a turbine.
Define a renewable energy resource.
A renewable energy resource is one that is replenished at a faster rate than the rate at which it is being used, so it will not run out.
Name three renewable energy resources.
Solar, wind, biofuel, hydroelectric, geothermal and tidal.
True or False?
Nuclear fuel is a renewable energy resource.
False.
Nuclear fuel is a non-renewable resource, along with fossil fuels (coal, oil and natural gas).
What are the three main uses of energy resources?
Transport, electricity generation and heating.
What is the main advantage of powering vehicles with electricity rather than petroleum products?
While the vehicle is being driven, it produces zero carbon emissions.
What percentage of the world's energy is still produced by non-renewable sources?
84% of the world's energy is still produced by non-renewable, carbon-emitting sources.
Why do many homes in Iceland use geothermal energy for heating, rather than natural gas?
Iceland is a geologically active country, giving access to hot underground rocks that can heat water for central heating.
Define a renewable energy resource.
A renewable energy resource is one that is replenished at a faster rate than the rate at which it is being used, so it will not run out.
What is a reliable energy resource?
A reliable energy resource is one that can produce energy at any time.
What is meant by a non-reliable energy resource?
A non-reliable energy resource can only produce energy some of the time, for example when it is windy.
Define the greenhouse effect.
The greenhouse effect is caused by an increased concentration of greenhouse gases (mainly methane and carbon dioxide) absorbing and trapping infrared radiation, causing the Earth's average temperature to rise.
Some infrared radiation is absorbed by greenhouse gases and becomes trapped within the Earth's ______, causing the Earth's average temperature to rise.
Some infrared radiation is absorbed by greenhouse gases and becomes trapped within the Earth's atmosphere, causing the Earth's average temperature to rise.
What effect does a higher concentration of greenhouse gases have on the Earth's average temperature?
The higher the concentration of greenhouse gases, the higher the Earth's average temperature will rise.
Name three consequences of global warming.
Climate change; rising sea levels, causing flooding in low-lying countries; extinction of species due to habitat destruction; migration of species (including humans); spread of diseases; loss of habitat.
True or False?
Many consequences of global warming have already begun to take effect.
True.
Effects such as rising sea levels and habitat loss have already started, even though carbon emissions have not been drastically reduced.
Out of the three main fossil fuels, which produces the most carbon dioxide and which produces the least?
Coal produces the most carbon dioxide; natural gas produces the least.
How has the UK's use of fossil fuels and renewable energy changed over the past 30 years?
Fossil fuel use has dropped from 75% to 38%; renewable energy use has increased from 2% to 35%.
Give two measures that will be needed to further reduce carbon emissions.
More nuclear power stations to replace existing fossil fuel stations, and a means of storing energy from unreliable sources such as solar and wind.
Besides science, what other types of considerations must be taken into account when dealing with environmental issues arising from energy use?
Political, social, ethical and economic considerations.
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