Generating electricity

Flashcards covering key vocabulary related to renewable and non-renewable energy sources, their efficiency, and concepts related to electricity generation.

Renewable energy

A source of energy that is not going to run out, such as Wind, Solar, Geothermal, Hydroelectric, and Biomass.

Efficiency

The ratio of useful energy output to total energy input, often expressed as a percentage.

Non-renewable energy

A source of energy that is going to run out, examples include Coal, Oil, Natural Gas, and Nuclear.

Turbine

A device that converts the energy of flowing fluid into mechanical energy, typically used in power generation.

Heat generation in thermal power stations

Produced by burning fuel or through nuclear reactions, used to turn water into steam.

National Grid

A network of cables that connects every power station to every consumer, such as homes and businesses.

Advantages of wind and solar energy

Renewable; produces no waste or pollution; but can have low power output and reliability issues.

Disadvantages of coal and oil energy

Reliable and produce large power output but are non-renewable and produce greenhouse gases.

Step-up transformer

Increases voltage which reduces current and lowers heat losses in electrical cables.

Biomass

A renewable energy source that is carbon neutral but requires significant land for crop production.