Forms of Energy
Name four forms of energy mentioned in the book.
kinetic, potential, mechanical, thermal, chemical, light, electrical, sound
Name three renewable and two non renewable energy sources
solar, wind, water, geothermal, biomass
fossil fuels - coal, crude oil, natural gas
uranium
What is the most common form of renewable energy in Spain.
Wind
Why is it better to use renewable energy sources?
Because they are more environmentaly friendly and we will not run out of them.
Everything that moves has this energy
Kinetic energy
What does a chemical reaction release?
chemical energy
What is the difference between renewable and non-renewable energy sources?
Renewable energy sources are unlimited - we will never run out of them.
Non-renewable energy sources are limited and we will run out of them- they are worse for the environment
What do we use to harness wind energy. (They are very tall!)
Wind turbines
Where was the big oil spill in Spain that we talked about in class?
On the Galician coast - The Prestige Oil Spill
A radioactive mineral used in power stations.
Uranium
what happens in a battery and what does it produce?
a chemical reaction/ produces electricuty
What does sound energy come from? Give an example
a source which creates vibrations - for example a guitar.
What structure do we use to help control rivers and water energy?
dams
Name some ways that fossil fuels damage the envirnonment. (3)
burning coal - air pollution
oil spills
burning natural gas contributed to global warning
This energy is the sum of kinetic and potential energy.
Mechanical Energy
what form does thermal energy take?
heat
Name two geographic features created by geothermal energy
volcanoes and hot springs
What are some disadvantages of renewable energy? Give at least three.
They can be geographically specific - solar panels only practical in sunny climates, geothermal.
Wind turbines - damage habitats, threaten bird populations
Dams - loss of biodiversity
Burning biomass causes air pollution
What is a fossil fuel?
They come from organic materials that have been underground for millions of years. They are the remains of once living organisms.
Energy which is stored in objects
Potential energy
Describe how wood or a lake stores potential energy
The stored potential energy is released when we burn the wood to create heat or when water in a lake becomes kinetic energy when the water flows into a river.
How can geography and climate affect the way we generate power? Give examples.
Solar - only in sunny climates
wind - only effective in windy places
water - need a big water source
geothermal - areas with volcanic activity
fossil fuels are found in limited places around the world - they must be imported to Spain.
How does biomass produce energy?
We burn biomass in power stations to boil water. The steam turns a turbine and generates electricity
Why can nuclear energy be dangerous?
Nuclear power stations produce radioactive waste products which cause cancer
Describe the difference between an energy source and forms of energy
A source of energy is where we get energy from and a form of energy is the energy which is produced from those sources.