Energy Resources
Energy Resources
Videos and Notes which teach you everything you need to know
Flash Mode: Quick Videos for cramming
Revision Mode: Self Paced Videos with Full Notes
Energy resources are used to GENERATE ELECTRICITY.
There are TWO types of ENERGY RESOURCES:
FOSSIL FUELS are energy sources formed from the ancient remains of living organisms. They include COAL, OIL, and NATURAL GAS.
These fuels continue to be a major energy source worldwide due to their HIGH ENERGY CONTENT and ease of EXTRACTION.
Fossil fuels are burned for energy, which can then be used to GENERATE ELECTRICITY.
NUCLEAR POWER uses energy from atoms, particularly uranium or plutonium, through a process called nuclear fission.
This process releases a considerable amount of energy, and is then used to heat water, producing steam that drives turbines to generate electricity.
Wind turbines use the kinetic energy from the wind to generate electricity. As the wind blows, it turns the blades of the turbine, which spins a generator inside the turbine's housing.
Solar cells, or photovoltaic cells in solar panels convert sunlight directly into electricity.
Geothermal energy harnesses heat from the Earth's interior. Water or other fluids are pumped down to the hot regions, become heated, then return to the surface as steam or hot water. This steam rotates a turbine connected to a generator, producing electricity.
This involves flooding a valley for the creation of large water reservoirs behind dams.
This method utilises small wave-powered turbines located around coasts.
The tides of the oceans go up and down due to the gravitational pull of the Moon and Sun.
Tidal barrages are constructed across rivers, with turbines turning by using the energy from tidal movements.
Made from plants and waste, bio-fuels are renewable energy resources that can be produced from organic material.
They are considered CARBON NEUTRAL because the plants they're made from absorb CO2 as they grow, which is then released when burned. This means there is no overall increase in CO2 in the atmosphere.
Energy resources are not just used for electricity generation. They can also be used for TRANSPORT and HEATING.
SCIENCE plays a crucial role in pinpointing environmental problems caused by energy use. Scientists use RESEARCH and MONITORING to uncover how different energy resources affect the planet. They can detect issues like pollution and suggest ways to lessen these effects.
For instance, CARBON CAPTURE TECHNOLOGY is a method to trap CO2 emissions from factories before they reach the atmosphere, helping to combat GLOBAL WARMING. Similarly, science can propose safer ways to handle NUCLEAR WASTE, which remains hazardous for thousands of years, to prevent soil and water contamination.
Yet, solving environmental problems isn’t just about having the scientific know-how. It involves navigating through various other factors:
POLITICAL: Governments need to create and enforce LAWS that protect the environment. This means they might limit harmful emissions or support CLEAN ENERGY PROJECTS.
SOCIAL: People have to back efforts to use energy wisely and support green initiatives. Public opinion can push for changes like RECYCLING PROGRAMMES or buying ELECTRIC CARS.
ETHICAL: It's about being FAIR. It's not right if one country gets all the clean energy while another suffers pollution. Or if future generations inherit a damaged earth because of our energy choices today.
ECONOMIC: Environmental solutions must be COST-EFFECTIVE. If a green technology is too expensive, it won’t be used widely. Economies need solutions that are AFFORDABLE to make a lasting change.
Science gives us the tools to identify and fix environmental issues from energy use. However, for these solutions to work, they need to be backed by supportive policies, public approval, moral responsibility, and economic practicality.
Energy resources are used to GENERATE ELECTRICITY.
There are TWO types of ENERGY RESOURCES:
FOSSIL FUELS are energy sources formed from the ancient remains of living organisms. They include COAL, OIL, and NATURAL GAS.
These fuels continue to be a major energy source worldwide due to their HIGH ENERGY CONTENT and ease of EXTRACTION.
Fossil fuels are burned for energy, which can then be used to GENERATE ELECTRICITY.
NUCLEAR POWER uses energy from atoms, particularly uranium or plutonium, through a process called nuclear fission.
This process releases a considerable amount of energy, and is then used to heat water, producing steam that drives turbines to generate electricity.
Wind turbines use the kinetic energy from the wind to generate electricity. As the wind blows, it turns the blades of the turbine, which spins a generator inside the turbine's housing.
Solar cells, or photovoltaic cells in solar panels convert sunlight directly into electricity.
Geothermal energy harnesses heat from the Earth's interior. Water or other fluids are pumped down to the hot regions, become heated, then return to the surface as steam or hot water. This steam rotates a turbine connected to a generator, producing electricity.
This involves flooding a valley for the creation of large water reservoirs behind dams.
This method utilises small wave-powered turbines located around coasts.
The tides of the oceans go up and down due to the gravitational pull of the Moon and Sun.
Tidal barrages are constructed across rivers, with turbines turning by using the energy from tidal movements.
Made from plants and waste, bio-fuels are renewable energy resources that can be produced from organic material.
They are considered CARBON NEUTRAL because the plants they're made from absorb CO2 as they grow, which is then released when burned. This means there is no overall increase in CO2 in the atmosphere.
Energy resources are not just used for electricity generation. They can also be used for TRANSPORT and HEATING.
SCIENCE plays a crucial role in pinpointing environmental problems caused by energy use. Scientists use RESEARCH and MONITORING to uncover how different energy resources affect the planet. They can detect issues like pollution and suggest ways to lessen these effects.
For instance, CARBON CAPTURE TECHNOLOGY is a method to trap CO2 emissions from factories before they reach the atmosphere, helping to combat GLOBAL WARMING. Similarly, science can propose safer ways to handle NUCLEAR WASTE, which remains hazardous for thousands of years, to prevent soil and water contamination.
Yet, solving environmental problems isn’t just about having the scientific know-how. It involves navigating through various other factors:
POLITICAL: Governments need to create and enforce LAWS that protect the environment. This means they might limit harmful emissions or support CLEAN ENERGY PROJECTS.
SOCIAL: People have to back efforts to use energy wisely and support green initiatives. Public opinion can push for changes like RECYCLING PROGRAMMES or buying ELECTRIC CARS.
ETHICAL: It's about being FAIR. It's not right if one country gets all the clean energy while another suffers pollution. Or if future generations inherit a damaged earth because of our energy choices today.
ECONOMIC: Environmental solutions must be COST-EFFECTIVE. If a green technology is too expensive, it won’t be used widely. Economies need solutions that are AFFORDABLE to make a lasting change.
Science gives us the tools to identify and fix environmental issues from energy use. However, for these solutions to work, they need to be backed by supportive policies, public approval, moral responsibility, and economic practicality.
