Fossil Fuels Overview

Questions and Answers

What are the advantages of coal?

Easy to exploit by surface mining (correct)

Release of pollutants

Plentiful (correct)

Energy dense (correct)

What are the disadvantages of coal?

Ash left behind after burning (correct)

Releases impurities into the air when burned (correct)

Convenient to transport

Greenhouse gas emissions (correct)

What is an advantage of oil?

Convenient to transport and use.

What is a disadvantage of oil?

Releases CO2 into the atmosphere. Signup and view all the answers

What is an advantage of natural gas?

It has fewer impurities and results in less pollution. Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of natural gas?

Highly volatile gas when handled carelessly. Signup and view all the answers

What is an advantage of nuclear energy?

No air pollution produced once the plant is in operation. Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of nuclear energy?

Possibility of accidents and disposal of radioactive waste. Signup and view all the answers

What is an advantage of biomass?

Reduces need for fossil fuels for heat and electricity. Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of biomass?

Agricultural wastes may not be available if basic crops are not grown. Signup and view all the answers

What is an advantage of wind power?

Free and will not run out. Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of wind power?

Good sites are often in remote locations and it is not cost-effective yet. Signup and view all the answers

What is an advantage of hydro power?

Clean energy that runs with the water cycle. Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of hydro power?

Environmental problems due to damming of water. Signup and view all the answers

What is an advantage of geothermal energy?

Non-polluting and environmentally friendly. Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of geothermal energy?

Few sites have the potential for geothermal energy. Signup and view all the answers

What is an advantage of solar energy?

Non-polluting and clean. Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of solar energy?

Expensive and can be considered unattractive. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Coal

Energy-dense and plentiful, making it a widely used resource.
Exploitable by surface mining, which simplifies extraction processes.
Easy to handle and transport due to solid form.
Found in various locations globally, enhancing its accessibility.
Burns to release impurities into the air, contributing to pollution.
Generates greenhouse gases when combusted, impacting climate change.
Leaves ash as a byproduct, posing disposal challenges.
Inefficient in electricity generation compared to other sources.

Oil

Abundant across various regions globally, enhancing supply stability.
Convenient for transport and utilization in various applications.
Releases CO2 when burned, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.
Possibility of leaks and spills during extraction and transportation.
Predictions indicate significant depletion within 40 years, raising concerns about long-term availability.

Natural Gas

Contains fewer impurities than other fossil fuels, making it cleaner.
Less chemically complex, resulting in more straightforward combustion processes.
Typically produces lower levels of pollution during combustion.
Volatile and dangerous when mishandled or transported unsafely.
Still contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.

Nuclear Energy

No air pollution produced during plant operation, enhancing environmental benefits.
Reduces dependency on oil imports, promoting energy independence.
High energy density, yielding significant energy from minimal fuel amounts.
Accidents can occur, with the potential for catastrophic meltdowns.
Disposal of radioactive waste poses long-term environmental risks.
Generally unpopular among communities and seen as a target for terrorist threats.

Biomass

Reduces reliance on fossil fuels for heat, steam, and electricity production.
Utilizes waste materials, minimizing landfill disposal.
Availability of agricultural waste is contingent on ongoing crop production.
Projects dealing with animal waste tend to be small-scale and limited.

Wind Power

Renewable and will not deplete over time, providing a sustainable energy source.
Generates no greenhouse gases during operation, supporting climate efforts.
Turbines can be installed on existing agricultural lands, saving space.
Aesthetically unpleasing to some, leading to public opposition.
Prime locations for wind farms are often remote, increasing accessibility challenges.
Currently, not cost-effective compared to other energy sources.

Hydro Power

Generates clean energy through the natural water cycle, with minimal pollution.
Allows states to control their own energy resources, enhancing local management.
Damming can lead to significant environmental issues and alter natural habitats.
Construction of necessary infrastructure can be expensive.
Droughts can limit water availability, impacting energy production.
Dependence on large reservoirs can create sustainability challenges.

Geothermal Energy

Environmentally friendly, producing minimal pollution and no waste by-products.
Sources of energy are harnessed from the Earth's core, providing a continuous supply.
Few viable sites for geothermal energy production exist.
Sites are often distant from cities or markets where electricity is needed.
Total generation potential is limited, curbing its widespread application.

Solar Energy

Clean and reliable energy source that produces no pollution during use.
Potentially infinite as long as solar energy from the sun remains available.
High initial costs can hinder adopting solar technology.
Cloud cover or rain reduces efficiency and effectiveness.
Considered unattractive by some, affecting acceptance in certain areas.

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Description

This quiz explores the characteristics, advantages, and challenges related to coal, oil, and natural gas. Understand the environmental impact of these fossil fuels, their extraction methods, and future concerns regarding their depletion. Test your knowledge on the key aspects of these essential energy resources.