CH 4: Conventional energy sources and their impact on the environment

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What is the first step in generating electricity from coal?

Turning water into steam

Blowing the coal into boilers

Pulverizing the coal into a fine powder (correct)

Distributing electricity through power lines

What is a major drawback of building coal-fired power stations in South Africa?

Low environmental impact

Abundant geographical availability

Short construction duration

High construction cost (correct)

What propels the blades of a turbine in a coal-fired electricity generation process?

Water

Steam (correct)

Electric current

Coal dust

Which environmental issue is specifically associated with underground coal mining?

Health risks Signup and view all the answers

Which country has extensive coal reserves according to the text?

South Africa Signup and view all the answers

How does coal combustion contribute to environmental problems?

Producing CO2 and airborne particles Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of coal combustion mentioned in the text?

Emissions of sulfur and nitrogen oxides Signup and view all the answers

What energy source releases high amounts of energy by converting water into steam?

Nuclear energy Signup and view all the answers

What does coal combustion lead to in terms of waste problems?

Production of fly ash Signup and view all the answers

What is the main aim of South Africa's 20-year energy plan?

Diversify the energy mix Signup and view all the answers

What does the burning coal generate in the boilers during electricity generation?

Heat Signup and view all the answers

Why does South Africa find it difficult to expand hydroelectric power?

Dry climate limiting water resources Signup and view all the answers

Which element is NOT mentioned as a waste problem caused by coal combustion?

Hydrogen gas Signup and view all the answers

Which energy source remains the most cost-effective choice according to Eskom?

Coal power Signup and view all the answers

What infrastructure advantage does South Africa have for coal-based electricity according to the text?

Well-developed infrastructure for coal-based electricity Signup and view all the answers

What does the electricity generated from coal do as explained in the text?

Distributes electricity to consumers through power lines Signup and view all the answers

What is an advantage of coal-fired power stations according to the text?

Cost-Effectiveness Signup and view all the answers

What is the final product of the electricity generation process from coal?

Electric current Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as an advantage of coal-based electricity generation?

Renewable Nature Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of pulverizing coal into a fine powder in the electricity generation process?

To facilitate combustion Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a waste problem directly related to coal combustion mentioned in the text?

Emission of sulfur and nitrogen oxides Signup and view all the answers

What drives the blades of a turbine in a coal-fired electricity generation process?

Steam Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following elements is NOT typically released as a result of coal combustion?

$H_2O$ (Water Vapor) Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable disadvantage associated with coal combustion in terms of waste management?

Radioactive elements release Signup and view all the answers

Which element is primarily responsible for turning water into steam during coal-fired electricity generation?

$C$ (Carbon) Signup and view all the answers

'Fly ash' is a waste problem associated with which stage of coal-fired electricity generation?

Boiler Combustion Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an advantage of coal-fired power stations mentioned in the text?

Renewable Energy Source Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant environmental impact of coal mining mentioned in the text?

Landscape alteration Signup and view all the answers

Why does coal combustion contribute to acid rain according to the text?

Generation of sulfuric acid Signup and view all the answers

What is a key limitation for South Africa's hydroelectric power expansion?

Geographical restrictions Signup and view all the answers

Which energy source is being explored by Eskom for South Africa's energy needs diversification?

Gas turbine Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant consequence of coal combustion in terms of environmental and health problems?

Release of airborne particles Signup and view all the answers

Why is the construction of coal-fired power stations considered a costly process?

Limitation in geographical locations Signup and view all the answers

What is the main objective of South Africa's 20-year energy plan as mentioned in the text?

Increase nuclear power to 14% Signup and view all the answers

Why is nuclear energy considered an important part of South Africa's energy mix?

To diversify energy sources Signup and view all the answers

Which element is primarily produced through the interaction of water with sulfur-bearing rocks during coal combustion?

Sulfuric acid Signup and view all the answers

What contributes to the local pollution issues exacerbated by clustering power stations in Mpumalanga?

Acid rain concentration Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of coal combustion in electricity generation?

To heat water and turn it into steam Signup and view all the answers

Which environmental impact is directly associated with coal combustion?

Emissions of heavy metals Signup and view all the answers

What is the main cause of waste problems related to coal combustion?

Interaction with sulfur-bearing rocks Signup and view all the answers

What aspect makes coal-fired power stations stand out for electricity generation?

Reliability in power generation Signup and view all the answers

Which energy source is considered most economical for generating electricity according to the text?

Coal Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable disadvantage of coal combustion in terms of waste problems?

Emissions of organic compounds Signup and view all the answers

Why is coal combustion a significant concern for environmentalists?

As it results in emissions of greenhouse gases and heavy metals Signup and view all the answers

What factor limits the siting of power stations in South Africa according to the text?

Geographical Limitations Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a significant environmental impact of coal mining highlighted in the text?

Water Scarcity Signup and view all the answers

In South Africa, what percentage of the energy mix is planned to be nuclear by 2030?

14% Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary objective of South Africa's 20-year energy plan as mentioned in the text?

Develop a Sustainable Electricity Investment Strategy Signup and view all the answers

Which element, released during coal combustion, contributes to acid rain concentration in Mpumalanga?

$SO_2$ Signup and view all the answers

What is a key reason for the limitation of hydroelectric power expansion in South Africa?

Lack of Suitable Sites Signup and view all the answers

Which energy source is being explored by Eskom to diversify South Africa's energy needs?

Wind Power Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant consequence of coal combustion in terms of health problems?

$SO_2$ Exposure Signup and view all the answers

What contributes to the air pollution caused by coal combustion according to the text?

Airborne Particles and $SO_2$ Signup and view all the answers