Physics - 3 Energy Resources - 3.4 Energy and the Environment & 3.5 Big Energy Issues

What can burning fossil fuels produce?

carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide and other toxic gases

What does sulfur dioxide cause?

acid rain

How is acid rain caused? [2]

1. sulfur dioxide + oxygen → sulfur trioxide
2. sulfur trioxide + water → sulphuric acid

Fossil fuels are non-...

renewable. They will run out completely

What is CCS?

Carbon Capture and Storage - to stop carbon being emitted into the atmosphere

What do greenhouse gases contribute to?

global warming

Advantages of nuclear power [2]:

- no greenhouse gases (unlike fossil fuel)
- much more energy per unit volume than fossil fuel

Disadvantages of nuclear power [2]:

- used fuel rods are radioactive and must be stored for centuries
- safe in normal operation, but highly dangerous if faulty

Advantages of renewable energy [4]:

- never run out
- no greenhouse gases or acid rain
- no radioactive waste
- can be used where National Grid is too far away

Disadvantages of renewable energy [6]:

- not currently able to meet world demand
- wind turbines are 'noisy' and 'ugly'
- tidal barrages affect estuaries and creature and plant habitats
- hydroelectric stations often flood habitats to create dams
- solar cells must cover large areas
- some renewable energy is unreliable

Energy demand

the constant demand for energy consumption

How does energy demand fluctuate? [2]

- throughout the day
- at colder times of year

When is energy demand highest? [2]

- during the night
- in winter

Power stations can't ... instantly

start up

The variable energy demand is met by [4]:

- nuclear and coal-fired for constant base load demand
- gas-fired and pumped storage for daily variations and extra winter demand
- renewable energy when demand is high and conditions are suitable
- renewable energy when demand is low to store in pumped-storage

Lowest capital costs:

gas-fired

Highest capital costs:

nuclear and wind

Lowest overall costs:

hydroelectricity

Highest overall costs:

offshore wind