☀️ Solar Energy
What star provides the energy that solar panels use?
The sun
What natural force makes wind turbines spin?
Wind / moving air
What moving substance is used to generate electricity in hydropower stations?
Water
Name two renewable energy sources.
Any two: solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal, biomass
What device converts sunlight into electricity?
Solar panel / photovoltaic (PV) panel
What is the name of the large machine with blades that generates electricity from wind?
Wind turbine
What structure is often built across a river to store water for hydropower?
Dam
Is coal renewable or non-renewable?
Non-renewable
Why can't solar panels produce electricity from sunlight at night?
There is no sunlight available to generate electricity
Why are windy, open areas good places for wind turbines?
More wind means the blades can spin faster and generate more electricity
Explain how moving water can be used to generate electricity.
Moving/falling water turns turbines, which drive generators
What is the difference between renewable and non-renewable energy?
Renewable sources are naturally replenished; non-renewable sources are finite and take extremely long to form
Give two factors that could affect how much electricity a solar panel produces.
Amount of sunlight, shade, angle/orientation, weather, panel cleanliness, time of day
Why might a wind turbine produce more electricity on some days than others?
Wind speed varies depending on weather and location
Give one advantage and one disadvantage of building a large dam for hydropower.
Advantages: renewable, low operational emissions, reliable. Disadvantages: habitat disruption, flooding land, impacts on fish/river ecosystems
Give two advantages of renewable energy compared with fossil fuels.
Examples: lower greenhouse-gas emissions, naturally replenished, less dependence on fossil fuels
A solar panel is placed in a shady area and another is placed in direct sunlight. Which will probably produce more electricity, and why?
The panel in direct sunlight; it receives more solar energy
Two wind farms have the same number of turbines, but one produces much more electricity. Give two possible reasons why.
Different wind speeds, turbine size/type, terrain, air density, maintenance, etc.
A drought causes the water level in a river to drop significantly. What effect could this have on a hydropower station? Explain.
Less water → less water flowing through the turbines → potentially less electricity
A town wants to replace its coal power station with renewable energy. What three challenges might the town need to consider?
Cost, infrastructure, reliability/storage, location, environmental impacts, electricity demand, transmission lines