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Questions and Answers
What is the primary method of generating electricity in a power station?
What is the primary method of generating electricity in a power station?
What is the purpose of a turbine in a power station?
What is the purpose of a turbine in a power station?
What is the definition of alternative energy?
What is the definition of alternative energy?
What is the purpose of a generator in a power station?
What is the purpose of a generator in a power station?
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What is the first step in a coal-powered power station?
What is the first step in a coal-powered power station?
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What is the byproduct of burning coal in a furnace?
What is the byproduct of burning coal in a furnace?
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What is the final step in a coal-powered power station?
What is the final step in a coal-powered power station?
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What is a characteristic of coal as an energy source?
What is a characteristic of coal as an energy source?
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What is a disadvantage of relying on coal as an energy source?
What is a disadvantage of relying on coal as an energy source?
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What is the purpose of a power station?
What is the purpose of a power station?
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What is the primary fuel used in nuclear power stations?
What is the primary fuel used in nuclear power stations?
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What is the purpose of control rods in a nuclear reactor?
What is the purpose of control rods in a nuclear reactor?
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What is the function of the cooling system in a nuclear reactor?
What is the function of the cooling system in a nuclear reactor?
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What is a major advantage of nuclear power generation?
What is a major advantage of nuclear power generation?
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What is a major disadvantage of nuclear power generation?
What is a major disadvantage of nuclear power generation?
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What is the purpose of the radiation containment structure in a nuclear reactor?
What is the purpose of the radiation containment structure in a nuclear reactor?
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What is the primary function of hydroelectric power plants?
What is the primary function of hydroelectric power plants?
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What is the function of a transformer in the national electricity grid?
What is the function of a transformer in the national electricity grid?
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What is the purpose of transmission lines in the national electricity grid?
What is the purpose of transmission lines in the national electricity grid?
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Which of the following is a challenge of using wind power?
Which of the following is a challenge of using wind power?
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What is the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station located in?
What is the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station located in?
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What is the primary process of generating electricity from solar power?
What is the primary process of generating electricity from solar power?
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What was the result of the Fukushima-Daiichi disaster in 2011?
What was the result of the Fukushima-Daiichi disaster in 2011?
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What is the main advantage of alternative energy sources?
What is the main advantage of alternative energy sources?
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What is the primary process of generating electricity from nuclear power?
What is the primary process of generating electricity from nuclear power?
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What is the term for the process of splitting a heavy atomic nucleus into two smaller nuclei?
What is the term for the process of splitting a heavy atomic nucleus into two smaller nuclei?
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What is the term for the process of transforming an unstable nucleus into a different element?
What is the term for the process of transforming an unstable nucleus into a different element?
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When was nuclear power first made feasible for electricity generation?
When was nuclear power first made feasible for electricity generation?
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What is the name of the commercial nuclear power station in South Africa?
What is the name of the commercial nuclear power station in South Africa?
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What is the primary use of portable generators?
What is the primary use of portable generators?
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What is the primary function of transformers in the grid?
What is the primary function of transformers in the grid?
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Why is high-voltage electricity essential for transmission?
Why is high-voltage electricity essential for transmission?
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What happens to the voltage at a step-up transformer?
What happens to the voltage at a step-up transformer?
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What is the purpose of pylons in the grid?
What is the purpose of pylons in the grid?
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What is a power surge?
What is a power surge?
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What can cause power surges?
What can cause power surges?
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What do surge protectors do?
What do surge protectors do?
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What happens to the voltage at a step-down transformer?
What happens to the voltage at a step-down transformer?
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Why are step-up transformers necessary?
Why are step-up transformers necessary?
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What is the final process in the diagram of a coal-powered power station connected to the grid?
What is the final process in the diagram of a coal-powered power station connected to the grid?
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Study Notes
Electricity Generation
- Electricity generation is a process that takes place in power stations, converting different forms of energy into electrical energy.
- In South Africa, coal is predominantly used for electricity generation, but alternative energy sources are also utilized.
Key Terms
- Turbine: A machine that converts energy from various sources into continuous power.
- Generator: A device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.
- Alternative Energy: Sources of energy that are not derived from fossil fuels.
- Power Station: A facility for generating electrical power.
Steps in a Coal-Powered Power Station
- Pulverization: Large chunks of coal are crushed into a fine powder.
- Combustion: The pulverized coal is burnt in a furnace.
- Steam Generation: The heat from burning coal boils water to generate steam.
- Turbine Operation: The steam pushes the blades of a turbine, causing it to spin.
- Electricity Generation: The turbine is connected to a generator, producing electricity as it spins.
- Transmission: The generated electricity is sent through power lines to homes and businesses.
Environmental Impact
- Non-Renewable: Coal is a non-renewable energy source, formed over millions of years from prehistoric vegetation.
- Disadvantages: The reliance on coal contributes to environmental pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and climate change.
Alternative Energy Sources
Hydroelectric Power
- Process: Uses the potential energy of stored water to generate electricity.
- Function: Water flows through turbines, turning them to generate electricity.
- Example: Gariep Dam, South Africa.
- Advantages: Renewable, less pollution, and sustainable.
Wind Power
- Process: Wind turns the blades of wind turbines, which are connected to a generator.
- Advantages: Renewable, low operational costs, and no emissions during operation.
- Challenges: Variable wind speeds and aesthetic concerns.
Solar Power
- Process: Photovoltaic cells convert sunlight directly into electricity.
- Advantages: Abundant, renewable, and no emissions.
- Challenges: Intermittent energy supply and high initial costs.
Other Renewable Sources
- Geothermal Energy: Uses heat from the Earth's interior to generate electricity.
- Biomass Energy: Converts organic material into electricity through combustion or anaerobic digestion.
Nuclear Power in South Africa
Introduction to Nuclear Power
- Nuclear power involves generating electricity using nuclear reactions, primarily through nuclear fission.
- South Africa has one commercial nuclear power station, the Koeberg Power Station located in Cape Town.
Key Terms
- Nuclear Power: Energy produced from controlled nuclear reactions.
- Nuclear Fission: The process of splitting a heavy atomic nucleus into two smaller nuclei, releasing energy.
- Nuclear Fusion: The process of combining two light atomic nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy.
- Radioactive: Emitting radiation as a result of the decay of atomic nuclei.
Overview of Nuclear Fission and Fusion
- Model of an Atom: Illustrates the protons, neutrons, electrons, and nucleus.
- Radioactive Decay: The process of unstable nuclei transforming into a different element, releasing radiation.
Discovery and Use of Nuclear Power
- Nuclear power became feasible for electricity generation in the early 20th century.
- Researchers found that radioactive materials like radium and uranium release substantial energy upon decaying.
Application in Power Stations
- Nuclear power stations harness the energy from nuclear fission to produce electricity.
- Uranium is the primary fuel used due to its slow radioactive decay and ability to undergo fission.
Koeberg Nuclear Power Station
- Location: Cape Town, South Africa.
- Diagram of a Nuclear Power Plant: Illustrates the nuclear reactor, control rods, steam generator, turbine, generator, and cooling system.
Functioning of a Nuclear Reactor
- Nuclear Reactor Vessel: Contains uranium fuel rods where fission reactions occur.
- Control Rods: Regulate the fission process by absorbing excess neutrons.
- Steam Generation: The heat from fission boils water to produce steam.
- Turbine and Generator: Steam turns the turbine, which drives the generator to produce electricity.
- Cooling System: Ensures the reactor and other components remain at safe operating temperatures.
Safety Measures
- Radiation Containment: The reactor is enclosed in a shielded containment structure to prevent radiation leakage.
- Monitoring: Continuous monitoring and safety protocols protect workers and the environment from radiation exposure.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Nuclear Power
-
Advantages:
- High energy density
- Low greenhouse gas emissions
- Reliability
-
Disadvantages:
- Radioactive waste
- Safety risks
- High initial costs
National Electricity Grid
Key Terms
- National Electricity Grid: A network of interacting components that work together to provide electricity across a country.
- Transformer: A device that changes the voltage of an electric current.
- Transmission Lines: High-voltage power lines that transport electricity over long distances.
- Pylon: A tall structure that supports overhead power lines.
- Power Surge: A sudden increase in voltage within an electrical circuit.
Overview of the National Electricity Grid
- The national electricity grid is a complex network that ensures the delivery of electricity from power stations to consumers.
- It starts at the power stations where electricity is generated, typically at very high voltages and low currents.
Key Components
- Power Stations: Generate electricity from various sources (coal, nuclear, renewable).
- Transmission Lines: High-voltage lines supported by pylons that carry electricity across long distances.
- Transformers: Used to step up or step down the voltage as needed for efficient transmission and safe usage.
How the Grid Works
- Electricity Generation: Power stations generate high-voltage electricity.
- Transmission: Electricity is transmitted over long distances through transmission lines.
- Voltage Regulation: Step-up and step-down transformers regulate the voltage for efficient transmission and safe usage.
Handling Power Surges and Overloads
- Power Surges: A sudden spike in voltage, caused by lightning strikes, faulty wiring, or the switching on or off of high-energy appliances.
- Effects: Power surges can cause damage to sensitive electronic devices and circuits.
- Preventive Measures: Surge protectors and grid monitoring help prevent damage during power surges.
The Role of Transformers
- Transformers are crucial in managing voltage levels throughout the grid.
- Step-Up Transformers: Increase voltage and decrease current before transmission.
- Step-Down Transformers: Decrease voltage and increase current before distribution to homes and businesses.
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Description
Learn about the process of electricity generation in power stations, including the role of coal and alternative energy sources in South Africa.
