Wind Energy (College Board AP® Environmental Science): Flashcards
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Define wind energy.
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Cards in this collection (24)
Define wind energy.
Wind energy is a clean, sustainable energy source that uses the wind to generate electricity.
What form of energy does a wind turbine capture from the wind?
A wind turbine captures the kinetic energy of the wind, which makes its blades spin.
The spinning turbine converts energy into electricity.
The spinning turbine converts mechanical energy into electricity.
What is the approximate efficiency of wind generators?
Wind generators are approximately 30% efficient.
True or False?
A wind turbine produces the same amount of electricity every day.
False.
The electricity produced varies daily depending on the strength of the wind.
Where is energy lost in a wind energy system?
Energy is lost to aerodynamic limits, friction within the system, and transferring the electricity to the grid.
Define electricity.
Electricity is the movement of electrons through a wire or similar material.
How is wind power stored for days when less energy is produced?
Wind power can be stored using batteries, compressed air storage, hydrogen fuel cells, and pumped storage.
How does the generator in a wind turbine produce an electric current?
A wire coil spinning near a magnet causes electrons to move, creating an electric current.
The most popular type of wind turbine is the -axis wind turbine (HAWT).
The most popular type of wind turbine is the horizontal-axis wind turbine (HAWT).
Why are wind turbines usually placed on tall towers?
Wind turbines are placed on tall towers so they can capture the winds found at higher altitudes.
How are the blades mounted on a vertical-axis wind turbine (VAWT)?
The blades of a vertical-axis wind turbine (VAWT) are mounted on a vertical plane.
Wind energy produces no gas emissions and is cheap to run.
Wind energy produces no greenhouse gas emissions and is cheap to run.
How can noise from wind turbines affect local communities?
Noise pollution from wind turbines can increase community resistance to change.
True or False?
The cost of wind turbines is rising.
False.
Wind turbines are expensive, but their cost is decreasing and new designs are more efficient.
Many wind turbines are needed to produce the same energy as an average -fired power station.
Many wind turbines are needed to produce the same energy as an average coal-fired power station.
True or False?
Wind energy is a nonrenewable energy source.
False.
Wind energy is a renewable energy source, unlike fossil fuels such as coal.
Where can wind turbines be built?
Wind turbines can be built on land or offshore, at small or large scale.
Why is wind energy considered unreliable?
Wind energy only works when the wind is strong enough but not too strong and blowing in a certain direction.
Why do wind farms need backup networks?
Backup networks are needed to supply electricity when there is no wind.
How can wind turbines harm wildlife?
Wind turbines can kill birds and bats that fly into the moving blades and may disrupt bird migration patterns.
True or False?
Wind turbines are a leading cause of human-related bird deaths.
False.
Wind turbines cause less than 0.1% of human-related bird deaths; buildings, domestic cats, and vehicles cause far more.
How can the visual pollution of wind turbines affect local communities?
Visual pollution from wind turbines can affect real estate sales.
What can wind turbines interfere with?
Wind turbines can interfere with telecommunications and satellites.
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