Energy Sources

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Notas de aula

Energy from the Sun

The Sun transfers energy to Earth by electromagnetic radiation (mostly visible light and infrared).
Most energy resources on Earth come indirectly from the Sun: wind, waves, rain (hydroelectric), and plant growth (biofuels and fossil fuels).
Resources not from the Sun: geothermal (Earth's core heat), nuclear (elements in Earth's crust), tidal (mainly Moon's gravity).
Solar cells (photovoltaic) convert sunlight directly into electricity using semiconducting materials.
Solar panels use sunlight to heat water for domestic use; solar furnaces focus sunlight to boil water for steam turbines.
Advantages of solar: renewable, no pollution, reliable in sunny regions, can be used in remote areas, low running costs.
Disadvantages: low energy density (large area needed), intermittent, expensive to install, low efficiency (20–40%).

Solar panels use energy from sunlight to heat water

Wind Energy

Wind turns turbines → generator → electricity; energy transfers: kinetic (wind) → kinetic (turbine) → kinetic (generator) → electrical.
Advantages: renewable, no pollution, relatively cheap, high efficiency (~50%), land can still be used for farming.
Disadvantages: unreliable (wind not constant), visual pollution, each turbine produces little power, needs high-voltage lines.

Wind turbines use energy from the wind to generate electricity

Energy from Fuels: Fossil Fuels

Fossil fuels: coal, natural gas (methane), crude oil (refined into petrol, diesel). Formed from remains of plants/animals; chemical energy originally from sunlight via photosynthesis.
Advantages: reliable, responsive (can be turned on/off), well-established infrastructure, safe to store.
Disadvantages: non-renewable (millions of years to form, predicted to run out in ~200 years), burning releases CO₂ (greenhouse gas) and SO₂ (acid rain), extraction damages environment, expensive to build/decommission.
Uses: transport, electricity generation (burned to heat water → steam → turbine → generator), heating.

Electricity generation in a coal-fired power station

Energy from Fuels: Biofuels

Biofuels (ethanol, methane) made from plant matter; energy from sunlight stored chemically.
Advantages: renewable, considered carbon neutral (plants absorb CO₂ during growth), no SO₂ produced.
Disadvantages: requires land and resources for crops, only half the energy density of fossil fuels, controversial carbon neutrality (land could have been used for food).

Cycle of biofuel production and use

Energy from Fuels: Nuclear Fuel

Nuclear fission splits large nuclei (e.g., uranium) into smaller ones, releasing energy; used to heat water → steam → turbine → generator.
Advantages: no atmospheric pollution, reliable, responsive, massive power output (twice that of fossil fuel plant), high energy density.
Disadvantages: non-renewable (finite uranium), produces radioactive waste (stored for thousands of years), expensive to build and decommission, risk of accidents.

Nuclear fission

Energy from Water

Wave power: underwater turbines turned by wave motion; tidal power: tidal barrages store water at height, released through turbines.
Advantages: renewable, no pollution, no fuel costs, tidal is reliable and predictable, high efficiency (~80%), responsive.
Disadvantages: few suitable locations (estuaries), interferes with shipping and habitats, technology not yet large-scale, wave power unreliable.
Hydroelectric dams: water stored in reservoir has gravitational potential energy; flowing water turns turbines.
Advantages: reliable, responsive, cheap to run, large electricity output, renewable.
Disadvantages: flooding valleys destroys habitats and settlements, expensive to build, drought can affect supply.

Turbines using wave power

Geothermal Energy

Heat from Earth's core heats rocks; water injected into shafts is heated and returned as steam/hot water to generate electricity or heat homes.
Advantages: renewable, reliable (rocks hot for thousands of years).
Disadvantages: few suitable locations (tectonic activity), can release methane (greenhouse gas), expensive to build, small scale, low efficiency (~12%).

Geothermal power station

Nuclear Fusion (Extended Tier Only)

Nuclear fusion fuses hydrogen nuclei into helium, releasing massive energy (powers the Sun).
Requires extremely high temperatures and pressures; currently research aims to sustain fusion at lower temperatures.
Potential: virtually limitless, carbon-free electricity; but currently reactions require nearly as much energy as they release.

Nuclear fusion

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CADASTRE-SE — GRÁTIS ENTRAR

Questões de prática

Prévia grátis — 8 de 57 perguntas. Cadastre-se para ver todas.

1.Which energy resource does not use the Sun as the source of its energy?
Easy
- AHydroelectric
- BWind
- CNuclear
- DCoal
2.Which energy resource involves splitting heavy nuclei?
Easy
- ANuclear fission
- BGeothermal
- CBiomass
- DNuclear fusion
3.Which energy resource does not release greenhouse gases?
Easy
- AOil
- BHydro-electric power
- CBiofuel
- DCoal
4.Which disadvantage does not apply to geothermal energy?
Medium
- AExpensive to build
- BFew suitable locations
- CCan result in the release of greenhouse gases
- DNot reliable
5.Which energy source relies on radiation from the Sun?
Easy
- AFossil fuels
- BNuclear fission
- CTidal power
- DGeothermal energy
6.Which source of energy is renewable?
Easy
- Acoal
- Bnatural gas
- Coil
- Dwind
7.Which energy resource does not originate from the Sun's radiation?
Easy
- Atidal power
- Bwind power
- Cwave power
- Dhydroelectric power
8.Listed below are some energy resources. W wind powering a turbine X water falling through a hydroelectric turbine Y alcohol made from crops which have been grown for burning in a biomass generator Z uranium for nuclear fission reactors Which of the resources are renewable?
Medium
- AW, X and Z
- BW and X
- CW, X and Y
- DW, X, Y and Z

Mais perguntas

9.Which statement best describes nuclear fuel as an energy source?
Medium
- AReliable & renewable
- BReliable, non-renewable and available for large scale production
- CUnreliable, non-renewable and available for large scale production
- DUnreliable, renewable & not available for large scale production
10.Which statement best describes the differences between solar cells and solar panels?
Medium
- ASolar cells use energy from the sun to heat water and solar panels use energy from the sun to generate electricity
- BSolar panels use energy from the sun to heat water and solar cells use energy from the sun to generate electricity
- CSolar cells use the kinetic energy of wind to produce electrical power and solar panels use energy from the sun to heat water
- DSolar panels use energy from the sun to produce electrical power and solar cells store the excess energy
11.What feature do geothermal, hydroelectric and nuclear energy sources share?
Medium
- ARenewable
- BCan generate large-scale energy
- CCause rotation in a generator
- DUse steam to turn a turbine
12.Which statement about nuclear fuel is correct?
Medium
- ANuclear waste must be stored for decades
- BNuclear fusion uses steam to turn a turbine which rotates a generator on a large scale
- CNuclear fission provides approximately 70% of the UK's energy
- DNuclear waste must be stored for thousands of years
13.A hydroelectric power station has a reservoir of water at a height of 50 m above the turbines. The water flows down and turns the turbines. Which energy transfer takes place as the water falls?
Easy
- Achemical to kinetic
- Bgravitational potential to kinetic
- Cnuclear to thermal
- Dkinetic to electrical
14.The efficiency of a solar cell is 20%. If 500 J of solar energy fall on the cell, how much electrical energy is produced?
Medium
- A100 J
- B400 J
- C500 J
- D2500 J
15.A solar cell and a wind turbine's energy output vary over 24 hours. The solar cell produces no energy between 18:00 and 06:00. The wind turbine produces a steady output of 2 kW from 00:00 to 12:00, then drops to 0.5 kW from 12:00 to 24:00. What is the total energy generated by the wind turbine in 24 hours?
Hard
- A30 kWh
- B60 kWh
- C48 kWh
- D24 kWh
16.Which energy resource uses the kinetic energy of moving air to generate electricity?
Easy
- Asolar power
- Bwind power
- Ctidal power
- Dgeothermal power
17.A student investigates the efficiency of a model wind turbine. The turbine is placed in a wind tunnel. The electrical power output is measured for different wind speeds. The results are shown in the table. | Wind speed (m/s) | Power output (W) | |---|---| | 2.0 | 0.5 | | 4.0 | 4.0 | | 6.0 | 13.5 | | 8.0 | 32.0 | Which conclusion is supported by the data?
Hard
- APower output is proportional to wind speed.
- BPower output is proportional to the square of wind speed.
- CPower output is proportional to the cube of wind speed.
- DPower output is inversely proportional to wind speed.
18.Which of the following is an advantage of using nuclear fission to generate electricity?
Medium
- AIt produces no radioactive waste.
- BIt uses a renewable fuel.
- CIt releases no greenhouse gases during operation.
- DIt can be built in any location.
19.A tidal barrage generates electricity by allowing water to flow through turbines as the tide goes out. Which statement about tidal power is correct?
Medium
- AIt is a non-renewable energy resource.
- BIt relies on the gravitational pull of the Moon.
- CIt produces atmospheric pollution.
- DIt is unreliable because tides are unpredictable.
20.A solar panel is used to heat water. Which statement explains how a solar panel works?
Medium
- AIt uses sunlight to generate electricity, which then heats the water.
- BIt absorbs infrared radiation from the Sun and transfers energy to the water.
- CIt reflects sunlight onto the water to heat it directly.
- DIt uses the kinetic energy of wind to pump water through a heater.
21.A student sets up a circuit to investigate how the power output of a solar cell depends on the angle of sunlight. The solar cell is connected to a variable resistor and an ammeter. The voltage across the cell is measured with a voltmeter. The angle of the light is changed and the current and voltage are recorded. Which row shows the correct units for the quantities measured?
Easy
- ACurrent in amperes, voltage in volts, power in watts
- BCurrent in volts, voltage in amperes, power in joules
- CCurrent in amperes, voltage in watts, power in volts
- DCurrent in watts, voltage in volts, power in amperes
22.Which energy resource is formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals?
Easy
- Anuclear fuel
- Bfossil fuels
- Cgeothermal energy
- Dsolar energy
23.A country has a coastline with strong tides and high rainfall. It also has volcanic regions with hot rocks underground. Which combination of energy resources would be most suitable for this country?
Medium
- Atidal power and geothermal energy
- Bsolar power and wind power
- Chydroelectric power and nuclear power
- Dwave power and fossil fuels
24.A student investigates the efficiency of a solar cell by measuring the electrical power output for different angles of sunlight. The solar cell is connected to a variable resistor and an ammeter. Which additional piece of equipment is needed to determine the electrical power output?
Medium
- AA voltmeter connected in parallel with the solar cell
- BA voltmeter connected in series with the solar cell
- CA light meter to measure the intensity of sunlight
- DA thermometer to measure the temperature of the solar cell
25.In a hydroelectric power station, water falls from a height of 50 m through a pipe to a turbine. The mass flow rate of water is 2000 kg/s. The gravitational field strength is 10 N/kg. Assuming no energy losses, what is the power output of the turbine?
Medium
- A1,000,000 W
- B100,000 W
- C10,000 W
- D1,000 W
26.A student sets up a model wind turbine in a wind tunnel and measures the electrical power output for different wind speeds. Which graph best represents the relationship between power output and wind speed?
Medium
- AA curve that increases steeply as wind speed increases
- BA straight line through the origin
- CA horizontal line
- DA curve that increases then levels off
27.Which of the following energy resources relies on the gravitational pull of the Moon?
Easy
- ATidal power
- BWave power
- CHydroelectric power
- DWind power
28.A solar panel is used to heat water. Which statement best describes the energy transfer that occurs?
Easy
- ASolar energy is transferred to the thermal energy store of the water by radiation
- BSolar energy is transferred to the thermal energy store of the water by convection
- CSolar energy is transferred to the kinetic energy store of the water by conduction
- DSolar energy is transferred to the chemical energy store of the water by radiation
29.Which of the following is a renewable energy resource?
Easy
- ANatural gas
- BUranium
- COil
- DBiomass
30.A student investigates how the angle of sunlight affects the power output of a solar cell. The solar cell is placed at different angles to the light source, and the current and voltage are measured. Which variable should be kept constant to ensure a fair test?
Medium
- AThe distance between the light source and the solar cell
- BThe angle of the solar cell
- CThe current through the solar cell
- DThe voltage across the solar cell
31.A solar cell and a wind turbine's energy output vary over 24 hours. The solar cell produces no energy between 18:00 and 06:00. The wind turbine produces energy at all times but varies. Which statement is correct?
Medium
- AThe wind turbine is more reliable than the solar cell over 24 hours
- BThe solar cell is more reliable than the wind turbine over 24 hours
- CBoth are equally reliable
- DNeither is reliable at any time
32.Which of the following is a disadvantage of using nuclear fission to generate electricity?
Easy
- AIt produces radioactive waste that must be stored for thousands of years
- BIt releases large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere
- CIt is an unreliable energy source
- DIt is a renewable energy source
33.Which of the following is a non-renewable energy resource?
Easy
- ASolar
- BWind
- CNatural gas
- DHydroelectric
34.Which of the following energy sources produce no atmospheric pollution?
Medium
- ANuclear fuel, wave power, and solar cells
- BFossil fuels, biofuels, and nuclear fuel
- CBiofuel, nuclear fuel, and wave power
- DWave power, solar cells, and geothermal power
35.A student sets up a circuit to investigate how the power output of a solar cell depends on the angle of sunlight. The solar cell is connected to a variable resistor and an ammeter. Which change would increase the power output of the solar cell?
Medium
- ADecreasing the resistance of the variable resistor
- BIncreasing the angle of incidence of sunlight (making it more oblique)
- CPlacing the solar cell in a shaded area
- DUsing a longer connecting wire
36.Geothermal energy comes from the heat produced in the Earth's core.
Easy
True or false?
37.Which of the following is an advantage of nuclear fission as an energy resource?
Easy
- AIt produces no radioactive waste.
- BIt has a high energy density.
- CIt is a renewable resource.
- DIt is inexpensive to build power stations.
38.Biofuels are considered carbon neutral because they release no carbon dioxide when burned.
Medium
True or false?
39.Match each energy resource with its primary source of energy.
Medium
- Wind energy
- Tidal energy
- Geothermal energy
- Gravitational pull of the Moon
- Heat from the Earth's core
- Sun heating the atmosphere
40.Arrange the following energy resources in order of their typical efficiency, from lowest to highest.
Medium
- Geothermal
- Wind turbine
- Wave and tidal
41.Which of the following are disadvantages of using fossil fuels? (Select all that apply)
Medium
- AThey are non-renewable
- BThey produce carbon dioxide when burned
- CThey are expensive to build and decommission
- DThey are unreliable because the wind does not always blow
- EThey produce radioactive waste
42.A student investigates how the angle of sunlight affects the power output of a solar cell. The solar cell is placed at different angles to the light source, and the current and voltage are measured. The results are shown in the table. | Angle (°) | Power (mW) | |---|---| | 0 | 100 | | 30 | 87 | | 60 | 50 | | 90 | 0 | Which conclusion is correct?
Medium
- APower output is greatest when sunlight is perpendicular to the cell.
- BPower output increases as angle increases.
- CPower output is independent of angle.
- DPower output is greatest at 45°.
43.A student investigates the efficiency of a model wind turbine. The turbine is placed in a wind tunnel and connected to a small generator. The electrical power output is measured for different wind speeds. Which additional equipment is needed to determine the efficiency of the turbine?
Medium
- AA voltmeter and an ammeter to measure electrical power
- BA balance to measure the mass of the turbine
- CA thermometer to measure the temperature of the air
- DA ruler to measure the diameter of the turbine blades
44.Which of the following are advantages of using nuclear fission to generate electricity? (Select all that apply)
Medium
- ANo greenhouse gases are released during operation
- BNuclear fuel is a renewable resource
- CNuclear power stations produce large amounts of electricity from a small amount of fuel
- DNuclear waste is harmless after a few years
45.Complete the sentence:
Easy
Fossil fuels are formed from the remains of ancient ____ and ____.
46.State one disadvantage of using hydroelectric power.
Easy
47.A geothermal power station extracts 50 MW of thermal energy from hot rocks. Its efficiency is 12%. Calculate the electrical power output in MW.
Medium
48.A solar cell has an efficiency of 25%. If 800 J of solar energy falls on the cell, how much electrical energy is produced?
Easy
49.Complete the sentence about wind turbines.
Easy
Wind turbines convert the kinetic energy of the wind into ____ energy.
50.State one advantage and one disadvantage of using tidal power to generate electricity.
Medium
51.Complete the sentences about energy resources.
Easy
Fossil fuels are considered ____ (renewable/non-renewable) because they take millions of years to form. Biofuels are considered carbon neutral because the carbon dioxide released when they are burned is offset by the carbon dioxide absorbed during ____.
52.A hydroelectric power station has a reservoir of water at a height of 50 m above the turbines. The mass flow rate of water is 2000 kg/s. The gravitational field strength is 9.8 N/kg. Calculate the gravitational potential energy transferred per second to the turbines. Give your answer in kW.
Medium
53.State one disadvantage of using hydroelectric power that involves flooding.
Easy
54.Explain why nuclear fusion is not yet used commercially to generate electricity.
Hard
55.A geothermal power station extracts 50 MW of thermal energy from hot rocks. Its efficiency is 12%. Calculate the electrical power output in MW.
Medium
- A8 MW
- B5 MW
- C6 MW
- D7 MW
56.A solar cell has an efficiency of 25%. If 800 J of solar energy falls on the cell, how much electrical energy is produced?
Easy
- A180 J
- B200 J
- C220 J
- D240 J
57.A hydroelectric power station has a reservoir of water at a height of 50 m above the turbines. The mass flow rate of water is 2000 kg/s. The gravitational field strength is 9.8 N/kg. Calculate the gravitational potential energy transferred per second to the turbines. Give your answer in kW.
Medium
- A1078 kW
- B1176 kW
- C882 kW
- D980 kW

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