Questions and Answers
What is a hydrocarbon?
Molecules made only of carbon and hydrogen that are formed by the decomposition of the remains of prehistoric animals and plants.
How is coal formed?
Coal is formed through the remains of vegetation which has accumulated in swamps or bogs millions of years ago.
How are oil and gas formed?
Oil and gas are formed by the decomposition of organisms, such as plankton or algae, in seas or lakes.
How does a coal-fired power station power homes?
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Why does Australia rely so much on coal to supply our electricity needs?
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Explain the relationship between magnetism and the flow of electricity.
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How long are the reserves of the three kinds of fossil fuels predicted to last?
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Name the process by which living things transfer carbon from the atmosphere to carbon held in living tissue.
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Name the process by which living things transfer carbon from living tissue to carbon in the atmosphere.
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What is a carbon store?
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Give an example of a carbon store.
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What is a carbon transfer?
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Give an example of a carbon transfer.
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What is a carbon sink?
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Give an example of a carbon sink.
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What is a carbon source?
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Give an example of a carbon source.
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How does deforestation affect the carbon cycle?
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What role does a fossil fuel burning power station play in the carbon cycle?
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What is carbon offsetting?
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What does carbon footprint mean?
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What factors influence any particular country's carbon footprint?
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What are the greenhouse gases?
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Describe the naturally occurring greenhouse effect.
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What is the 'enhanced' greenhouse effect?
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Describe 3 causes of the intensification of the greenhouse effect.
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What is global warming?
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What is the link between the industrial revolution and the increase in global temperatures?
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Explain why melting icebergs will not affect sea levels, but melting glaciers will.
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What is the effect of global warming predicted to be on the Great Barrier Reef?
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What is the effect of global warming predicted to be on Kakadu National Park?
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What is acid rain?
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How do we measure the electrical energy used in the home?
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If an electric oven is used for three and a half hours (it uses 2.3 kW in power), how do we work out the total electrical energy used?
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How many kilowatt hours would be used if you were to heat up your frozen Thai chicken curry for 7.5 minutes?
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Name three ways to reduce your energy usage at home.
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Advantages of solar (PV)
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Disadvantages of solar (PV)
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Advantages of solar (thermal)
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Disadvantages of solar (thermal)
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Advantages of wind energy
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Disadvantages of wind energy
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Advantages of hydroelectric energy
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Disadvantages of hydroelectric energy
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Advantages of geothermal energy
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Disadvantages of geothermal energy
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Advantages of wave energy
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Disadvantages of wave energy
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Advantages of tidal energy
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Disadvantages of tidal energy
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Advantages of biomass energy
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Disadvantages of biomass energy
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Advantages of nuclear energy
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Disadvantages of nuclear energy
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Study Notes
Hydrocarbons and Fossil Fuels
- Hydrocarbons are molecules consisting solely of carbon and hydrogen, arising from decomposed prehistoric organic matter.
- Coal formation requires vegetation accumulation in swamps over millions of years, being buried and subjected to heat and pressure, altering its properties.
- Oil and gas form from decomposed marine organisms like plankton, buried under sediment, transforming into hydrocarbons.
Energy Generation and Carbon Sources
- Coal-fired power stations burn fossil fuels to convert chemical energy into electricity via heat, steam, and turbines.
- Australia relies heavily on coal due to its affordability and existing infrastructure for electricity generation.
Carbon Transfer and Stores
- Photosynthesis transfers carbon from the atmosphere into living organisms as carbohydrates; respiration and decomposition return it as carbon dioxide and methane.
- Carbon stores exist over extended periods, including the atmosphere, oceans, forests, and limestone.
- Carbon transfers occur through processes like photosynthesis, decomposition, and respiration.
Carbon Sinks and Sources
- Carbon sinks absorb more carbon than they release, examples include forests and oceans.
- Carbon sources release more carbon than they absorb; examples include volcanic eruptions, transportation, and industry.
Impact of Deforestation and Combustion
- Deforestation diminishes forest carbon storage capacity, turning them from sinks to sources when vegetation is burned.
- Fossil fuel power stations act as carbon stores until combustion releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
Carbon Footprint and Offsetting
- A carbon footprint measures individual or organizational greenhouse gas emissions, influenced by a country's wealth and development.
- Carbon offsetting finances eco-friendly projects to neutralize carbon footprints.
Greenhouse Gases and Effects
- Greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, water vapor, and ozone; they trap heat in the atmosphere.
- The naturally occurring greenhouse effect keeps Earth about 33ºC warmer, essential for life.
Enhanced Greenhouse Effect and Global Warming
- Human activities have intensified the greenhouse effect by increasing greenhouse gas concentrations.
- Global warming refers to rising Earth temperatures, linked to the industrial revolution's fossil fuel combustion.
Ice Melting and Climate Change
- Melting glaciers raise sea levels, while icebergs do not, as they are already in water.
- Global warming threatens ecosystems like the Great Barrier Reef through coral bleaching and impacts environments like Kakadu National Park due to saline intrusions.
Acid Rain and Its Formation
- Acid rain results from sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides from pollution, leading to the formation of sulfuric and nitric acids.
Energy Measurement and Usage
- Electrical energy consumption at home is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh).
- Energy usage can be calculated by multiplying power consumption by time.
Reducing Home Energy Usage
- Strategies to reduce energy consumption include using energy-efficient appliances, limiting heating and cooling, and opting for LED lighting.
Renewable Energy Sources: Pros and Cons
- Solar (PV): Renewable, pollution-free, but production costs are high.
- Solar (Thermal): Direct use for heating, renewable, but limited by sunlight.
- Wind: Highly efficient but can impact wildlife and environment; reliant on wind availability.
- Hydroelectric: Non-polluting and provides water resources; environmental effects from damming.
- Geothermal: Efficient and renewable heated water source; geographically limited.
- Wave and Tidal: Renewable energy sources but can be costly and location-dependent.
- Biomass: Offers farmer income and complements oil but partially offsets CO2 emissions due to combustion.
- Nuclear: Efficient energy source with low emissions but high construction costs and waste management issues.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the carbon cycle with these flashcards. Learn about hydrocarbons and the formation of coal, among other key concepts. Perfect for science students wanting to deepen their understanding of this vital ecological process.