Fossil Fuels Overview

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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?

<p>Releases CO2 into the atmosphere.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an advantage of natural gas?

<p>It has fewer impurities and results in less pollution.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of natural gas?

<p>Highly volatile gas when handled carelessly.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an advantage of nuclear energy?

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

What is a disadvantage of nuclear energy?

<p>Possibility of accidents and disposal of radioactive waste.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an advantage of biomass?

<p>Reduces need for fossil fuels for heat and electricity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of biomass?

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

What is an advantage of wind power?

<p>Free and will not run out.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of wind power?

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

What is an advantage of hydro power?

<p>Clean energy that runs with the water cycle.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of hydro power?

<p>Environmental problems due to damming of water.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an advantage of geothermal energy?

<p>Non-polluting and environmentally friendly.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of geothermal energy?

<p>Few sites have the potential for geothermal energy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an advantage of solar energy?

<p>Non-polluting and clean.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of solar energy?

<p>Expensive and can be considered unattractive.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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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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