Sources of Energy

These flashcards cover key concepts related to various sources of energy, specifically non-renewable and renewable energy types, along with their definitions.

Fossil Fuels

Energy sources that cannot be replenished in a short period; examples include coal, oil, and natural gas.

Hydroelectric power

Energy generated by water flowing through turbines in dams.

Wind energy

Energy produced by wind turning turbine blades connected to generators.

Geothermal energy

Energy derived from heat within the Earth to turn water into steam and drive turbines.

Biomass

Organic material that is burned or converted to biofuel.

Solar energy

Energy generated by converting sunlight into electricity using solar panels.

Tidal energy

Energy produced by the movement of ocean tides, often using turbines or chambers.

Fossil Fuels

Energy sources that cannot be replenished in a short period; examples include coal, oil, and natural gas.

• Positives:
  • High energy density
  • Reliable and well-established infrastructure
• Negatives:
  • Non-renewable
  • Major source of CO_{2} and greenhouse gas emissions

Hydroelectric power

Energy generated by water flowing through turbines in dams.

• Positives:
  • Renewable and produces no direct air pollution
  • High energy efficiency
• Negatives:
  • Significant impact on aquatic ecosystems and fish habitats
  • High initial construction costs

Wind energy

Energy produced by wind turning turbine blades connected to generators.

• Positives:
  • Zero emissions during operation
  • Renewable and sustainable
• Negatives:
  • Intermittent (depends on wind speeds)
  • Can cause noise and visual pollution; impacts bird populations

Geothermal energy

Energy derived from heat within the Earth to turn water into steam and drive turbines.

• Positives:
  • Constant and reliable energy supply
  • Small land footprint compared to other plants
• Negatives:
  • Geographically limited to specific locations
  • Potential for local seismic activity during drilling

Biomass

Organic material that is burned or converted to biofuel.

• Positives:
  • Uses waste products that would otherwise go to landfills
  • Potentially carbon neutral if managed sustainably
• Negatives:
  • Releases particulate matter and pollutants when burned
  • Large land area required to grow fuel crops

Solar energy

Energy generated by converting sunlight into electricity using solar panels.

• Positives:
  • Abundant and renewable
  • Low maintenance costs and silent operation
• Negatives:
  • Intermittent (not available at night)
  • High upfront cost for panels and battery storage

Tidal energy

Energy produced by the movement of ocean tides, often using turbines or chambers.

• Positives:
  • Highly predictable energy source
  • High power density due to water being denser than air
• Negatives:
  • High cost of installation and maintenance in harsh marine environments
  • Can disrupt marine habitats and navigation