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Questions and Answers
What is the primary source of geothermal energy?
What is the minimum temperature required for steam to generate electricity from geothermal sources?
How did ancient civilizations use geothermal energy?
What is the advantage of using geothermal energy for heating buildings?
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Where is the first evidence of humans using geothermal energy found?
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What is the source of geothermal energy?
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What is the primary function of a flash steam plant?
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What is the main advantage of binary cycle geothermal power plants?
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What is the primary purpose of geothermal heat pumps?
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Why are dry steam plants limited to only a few locations?
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What is a unique benefit of geothermal energy compared to other renewable energy sources?
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What is a potential environmental concern associated with geothermal power plants?
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Why are geothermal power plants typically located near tectonic plates?
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What is a financial disadvantage of geothermal energy?
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What is a natural example of geothermal energy?
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Study Notes
What is Geothermal Energy?
- Geothermal energy is heat energy located under the Earth's surface, often near tectonic plates, where movements allow heat to push through from the Earth's core.
- It is used for heat and electricity.
History of Geothermal Energy
- Evidence of humans using geothermal energy dates back at least 10,000 years in North America, where hot springs were used for gathering, cooking, and escaping harsh weather.
- Ancient Greece and Rome used hot springs medicinally and for heating buildings.
Uses of Geothermal Energy
- Two primary uses: heating and generating electricity.
- Direct heat can be generated from geothermal heat pumps or hot springs.
- Steam from geothermal sources is used to generate electricity, but must be between 300-700°F.
Is Geothermal Energy Renewable?
- Geothermal energy is renewable, as heat is constantly produced at the Earth's core, and will last until the planet cools in about 5 billion years.
- Individual geothermal plants can become cold if heat is used more quickly than it can be replenished.
Geothermal Power Plants
- Three main types: dry steam, flash steam, and binary cycle.
- Dry steam plants use existing steam underground, but are limited to specific locations.
- Flash steam plants generate steam from high-temperature water, and are the most common type.
- Binary cycle plants conserve water by using an organic liquid to produce steam.
Geothermal Heat Pumps
- Used for heating and cooling, on a smaller scale than power plants.
- Water or liquid is piped underground, heated or cooled, and then used to heat or cool buildings.
- Geothermal heat pumps last for 20-25 years, which is 5-10 years longer than conventional heat systems.
Pros and Cons of Geothermal Energy
Advantages
- Renewable and constantly renewed.
- Produces only water vapor, making it sustainable and environmentally friendly.
- More stable than other renewable resources, unaffected by seasons.
- Cheaper than fossil fuels, with smaller land and resource requirements.
- Adaptable to various conditions and requirements.
Disadvantages
- Injecting water can cause localized earthquakes.
- Power plants can cause the ground to sink as reservoirs are disturbed.
- Limited to locations near tectonic plates.
- High initial costs, making it difficult for developing countries.
- Risk of toxic chemicals in the water supply.
Examples of Geothermal Energy
- Old Faithful, a famous geyser.
- Natural sources: geysers, hot springs, lava flows, and fumaroles.
- Manmade examples: geothermal power plants and heated homes.
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Description
Explore the definition and working of geothermal energy, a heat energy located under the Earth's surface, used for heat and electricity.
