Renewable and Nonrenewable Energy Sources

A set of flashcards covering the key concepts of renewable and non-renewable energy sources as discussed in the lecture.

What are the two main categories of energy sources on Earth?

Renewable energy sources and nonrenewable energy sources.

What is renewable energy?

Energy that can be replenished or replaced naturally after exploitation.

What is nonrenewable energy?

Energy that cannot be easily replenished once exploited, often taking millions of years to form.

What is an example of a renewable energy source derived from the sun?

Solar energy.

What is the process by which solar energy is converted into chemical energy in plants called?

Photosynthesis.

What are the three types of solar energy conversion processes?

Helio-chemical, Helio-electrical, and Helio-thermal.

How does wind energy generate electricity?

By using the kinetic energy of wind to turn turbines.

What percentage of the Earth's surface is covered by water, a key renewable energy source?

About 71%.

What is geothermal energy?

Energy generated by heat from the Earth's interior.

What is biomass?

Organic materials derived from living organisms that can be used as fuel.

What are the two generations of bioenergy based on the type of biomass used?

First-generation bioenergy from food materials and second-generation bioenergy from non-food sources.

What are fossil fuels formed from?

Remains of ancient plants and animals buried under layers of soil and rock for millions of years.

Name three examples of fossil fuels.

Coal, oil, and natural gas.

What are the advantages of using fossil fuels?

High availability, low cost, reliability, and ability to produce in large quantities.

What is a significant disadvantage of using fossil fuels?

They produce large amounts of CO2 emissions contributing to global warming.

What is nuclear energy derived from?

Nuclear reactions, specifically fission and fusion.

What are the risks associated with nuclear energy?

Potential misuse, radioactive waste, accident risks, and high construction costs.

What is photovoltaic technology in solar power?

It converts sunlight directly into electricity by using solar panels.

How does a wind turbine generate electricity?

By converting the kinetic energy of wind into mechanical energy to turn a generator.

Describe the basic operation of hydropower generation.

It converts the potential energy of flowing water into electrical energy using turbines.

What is a significant feature of biomass energy production processes?

Biomass can be burned directly or converted to biogas for energy.

What are the main types of renewable energy discussed in the video?

Solar energy, wind energy, hydropower, geothermal energy, and biomass.

What is the purpose of a transformer in renewable energy generation?

To adjust the voltage for distribution in the electrical grid.