Nuclear/Geothermal Power
Why is nuclear power considered non-renewable
it relies on uranium 235 which has to be mined and is a finite source
list two other types of fossil fuels other than oil
coal and natural gas
why is wind power considered clean and renewable
because wind never runs out and it doesn't produce any air pollution
what is one downside to household solar panels?
they are expensive, reliant on the amount of sunlight in a given area
In a school, exhaust from a generator is captured to produce hot water for locker room showers. This process is an example of what?
Cogeneration
although nuclear power is considered clean energy, identify one way in which is is still harmful for the environment
waste disposal of uranium fuel rods + thermal pollution of local water ways
although fossil fuels are the number one energy source around the world, which energy source is most often used by poor or developing countries and why?
biomass bc its cheap and easily accessible
Identify one reason why a residential neighborhood might not want a wind farm next to them.
noise pollution or ruining the view
explain the difference between active and passive solar
active solar stores energy for later whereas passive solar cannot store energy
ethanol is a biofuel made from corn. What is one downside of biofuels like ethanol
what is an argument that someone could make about the dangers of nuclear power?
Historical meltdowns of nuclear power plants, radioactive waste leaching into water and nearby areas
explain one benefit of fossil fuels
reliable source of energy, relatively cheap compared to renewable sources, infrastructure is already built
explain 2 benefits of having an offshore wind farm vs an on shore wind farm
less noise pollution, less visual impairment, stronger and more consistent wind
describe a negative impact of large solar farms
habitat loss, replacement costs
what is one of the largest concerns when is comes to fracking?
the contamination of groundwater from the chemicals used in fracking
what is a major downside of geothermal power?
it is incredibly expensive to build, it must be built in specific locations
come up with an incentive that would encourage people to decrease their fossil fuel ussage
offer tax incentives for electric vehicles, offer free bus/public transportation passes, create a bike program
what can be done to mitigate the death of flying animals when using wind tubrines?
turn off turbines during peak migration, paint the blades
what is one major downside to biomass?
when burned it releases many toxins in the air, this can be especially dangerous in areas with poor ventilation
why is a car powered by a hydrogen fuel cell considered environmentally friendly?
there are no CO2 emissions
how is geothermal power produced? what are the steps?
heat from the earth is used to heat up water and create steam which spins a turbine, generating electricity
why are fossil fuels more likely to be associated with climate change than other forms of energy generation?
burning fossil fuels releases CO2 which is the most abundant greenhouse gas
A person is weary of wind power because wind is not constant. What would you say to them to convince them wind power is still a good energy generation option?
renewable, can be put in high wind areas, no CO2 emissions/clean energy
what is one thing you could implement that would decrease the amount of toxins people who use biomass are exposed to
improve ventilation systems, sponsor air purifiers
define renewable energy
sources that can be replenished naturally at or near the rate of consumption