Energy Sources

What is the primary difference between renewable and non-renewable energy sources?

Renewable energy sources will not run out, whereas non-renewable energy sources will eventually be depleted.

Name three common examples of renewable energy sources.

Wind energy, solar energy, and hydroelectric power.

How do wind turbines generate electricity?

Wind turns the turbines, which in turn rotate generators to produce electricity.

How do solar cells produce electricity?

Solar cells convert sunlight directly into electrical energy.

Describe the process of generating electricity using hydroelectric power.

Water is held behind a dam; when released, it falls through openings in the wall, turning turbines that power a generator.

What is the primary category of non-renewable energy sources?

Fossil fuels.

What are three advantages of using nuclear power?

It does not contribute to climate change, the fuel sources last for a long time, and it generates very little waste.

How is nuclear energy formed at the atomic level?

It is formed by releasing the energy that binds particles within the nucleus of an atom.

What are the two methods of releasing nuclear energy?

Nuclear fission and nuclear fusion.

What is nuclear fission?

A process where the large nucleus of an atom (commonly uranium) is split, converting nuclear energy into heat energy for electricity.

What is nuclear fusion?

A process where two smaller nuclei combine to form a larger nucleus, releasing a large amount of energy.

Which process, nuclear fission or nuclear fusion, produces more energy?

Nuclear fusion produces more energy than nuclear fission.

What are two significant disadvantages of nuclear fission?

The mining of uranium is expensive and dangerous, and the resulting waste is radioactive and takes years to decay.

What is the main problem with relying solely on renewable energy?

It can be very expensive and currently does not meet all of our energy needs.

What two areas are currently being investigated to help meet future energy needs?

Improving solar power and nanotechnology.

In what two ways are solar cells being improved?

They are being developed to be 30% more efficient and more flexible for use on curved surfaces.

Define nanotechnology.

The manipulation of matter on an atomic, molecular, and supramolecular scale.

How can nanotechnology contribute to energy efficiency?

It can make batteries and solar cells more efficient and help build stronger, lighter devices like wind turbines.

When comparing solar and nuclear energy, what four factors should be considered?

Cost, waste, renewable vs. non-renewable status, and pollution.

What is the role of the dam in hydroelectric power generation?

It holds water back to create potential energy, which is then converted into kinetic energy to turn turbines when the dam is opened.