Energy Sources Flashcards

Flashcards about Energy Sources

What is Wind Power?

Wind propels blades attached to a turbine; rotation converts to electrical energy via an electric generator.

Pros of Wind Power

No pollution since no chemical process takes place, renewable and won’t run out, can be installed offshore.

Cons of Wind Power

Aesthetically unpleasing to some (ugly and bad scenery), inconsistent due to wind variability causing the turbine to slow and less electricity is produced.

What is Solar Power?

Solar power is when the sun's rays are trapped in solar cells and converted into electricity; can also be used to heat water for steam to drive turbines.

Pros of Solar Power

Renewable, no water or air pollution, practical-can also be used for heat and light.

Cons of Solar Power

Limited production at night and on cloudy days, expensive to build power stations.

What is Geothermal Energy?

Geothermal energy or “Earth Heat” is heat energy from inside the earth underground used to create steam and drive turbines. Holes are drilled into the earth to tap into the steam pressure. As it shoots upward it drives turbines to power electric generators.

Pros of Geothermal Energy

Small plant size, minor impact on landscape, potentially minor pollution if done correctly.

Cons of Geothermal Energy

Potential for pollution if done incorrectly and release hazardous materials and gases, plant locations are prone to running out of steam.

What is Hydroelectric Energy?

Hydroelectric Energy is the potential energy of dammed water that drives a water turbine and generator.

Pros of Hydroelectric Energy

Quickly increases to full or maximum capacity, constant generation, no waste or pollution and no chemical reaction, reusable.

Cons of Hydroelectric Energy

Expensive to build dams, environmental disruption, requires sufficient and powerful water supply in the area.

What is Biomass Energy?

Biomass energy is a plant or animal material used as fuel to produce electricity and heat.

What are examples of Biomass energy?

Examples of biomass energy are wood, waste from forests, yards, or farms, food waste, and energy crops.

How do living organisms, plants or animals, create biomass energy?

Living organisms create biomass energy by absorbing energy from the sun and converting organic matter and water into carbohydrates that can be used to make energy (photosynthesis).

Pros of Biomass Energy

Only renewable energy source converted to liquid biofuels such as ethanol and biodiesel to power vehicles, it is plentiful and sustainable (can’t grow plants and can’t squeeze dinos), helps lessen the effect of waste products.

Cons of Biomass Energy

Pollution similar to burning fossil fuels (ash and carbon dioxide emissions), water usage and pollution, requires a lot of space, less efficient than other fuels.

What is Nuclear Energy?

Use of nuclear reactions (fission, decay, fusion) to produce electricity, mainly from nuclear fission of uranium and plutonium in nuclear plants. Nuclear energy accounts for 10% of the world’s energy production.

Pros of Nuclear Energy

Provides efficient, predictable, large quantities of power, reliable.

Cons of Nuclear Energy

Initially very expensive, high long term cost, nuclear waste is expensive and difficult to store and transport, vulnerable to terrorist attacks cyber attacks and war, six legged deer and three eyed squirrels.

What is Wave Energy?

Wave energy converters (WEC) capture and convert the up and down motion of ocean waves.

Pros of Wave Energy

Sustainable and renewable.

Cons of Wave Energy

Very expensive, not developed well enough.