Types of Energy
What is renewable energy?
Renewable energy is derived from natural sources that replenish over time, like sunlight and wind.
Name one main fossil fuel.
The three main fossil fuels are coal, oil, and natural gas.
Define "sustainability" in energy use.
Sustainability in energy use means meeting present energy needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs.
What is the biggest sector consuming energy globally?
The industrial sector is the largest global consumer of energy.
How does coal mining affect biodiversity?
Coal mining destroys habitats, pollutes water, and contributes to soil erosion.
What is geothermal energy derived from?
Geothermal energy comes from heat stored within the Earth.
What is the environmental impact of burning coal?
Burning coal releases carbon dioxide, contributing to climate change, and produces air pollutants like sulfur dioxide (SO₂).
Name one advantage of solar power.
One advantage of solar power is it produces electricity without emitting greenhouse gases.
Define "carbon footprint."
A carbon footprintmeasures the amount of carbon dioxide emissions produced by an individual's or society's activities.
What is acid rain, and how does it relate to energy production?
Acid rain forms when sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides from fossil fuel combustion mix with atmospheric moisture, harming ecosystems.
Define biomass energy.
Biomass energy is produced by burning organic materials like wood, crops, and waste.
Define "oil reserves."
Oil reserves refer to underground stores of crude oil that can be extracted.
How does wind power generate electricity?
Wind turbinesconvert the kinetic energy of the wind into electricity using rotor blades and generators.
How does energy efficiency reduce demand?
Energy efficiency reduces demand by decreasing waste and improving technology (e.g., LED lights use less electricity).
Explain how oil spills affect ecosystems.
Oil spills damage marine life by contaminating water, suffocating animals, and disrupting food chains.
What is nuclear fission used for in energy production?
Nuclear fission splits atomic nuclei to release energy for electricity generation.
Explain how natural gas is extracted.
Natural gas is extracted through drilling and methods like hydraulic fracturing (fracking).
Why is hydropower considered renewable?
Hydropower is renewable because it relies on the water cycle, which continuously replenishes water flows.
What is the role of smart grids in managing electricity?
Smart grids manage electricity distribution dynamically, improving efficiency and integrating renewable energy.
What is the greenhouse effect?
The greenhouse effect is the warming of Earth due to gases like CO₂ trapping heat in the atmosphere.
Explain how tidal energy is harnessed.
Tidal energy is harnessed using turbines placed in ocean currents, driven by gravitational forces between the Earth and Moon.
What is fracking, and why is it controversial?
Fracking is a technique to extract shale gas by injecting high-pressure fluid into rock layers; it's controversial due to groundwater contamination and seismic risks.
Explain the role of battery storage in renewable energy adoption.
Battery storage enables excess renewable energy to be saved and used when demand increases, ensuring a stable power supply.
Explain the concept of energy transition.
Energy transitionrefers to shifting from fossil fuel-based systems to more sustainable energy sources.
How does deforestation contribute to climate change through energy use?
Deforestation contributes to climate change by reducing the planet’s ability to absorb CO₂, and much of this clearing is driven by energy needs like fuelwood extraction.