Wind Energy: Pros and Cons

Questions and Answers

What is the primary source of electricity worldwide?

Hydroelectric energy

Non-renewable fossil fuels (correct)

Renewable energy sources

Nuclear power

What is the main drawback of using fossil fuels as an energy source?

They are expensive

They are hard to extract

They are unreliable

They contribute to air pollution and climate change (correct)

What is the purpose of a wind turbine?

To saw wood

To generate electricity (correct)

To pump water

To grind grain

Why is the use of wind energy growing in popularity?

It is a cleaner and more efficient alternative to fossil fuels Signup and view all the answers

What is necessary for a wind turbine to work?

Wind Signup and view all the answers

What causes wind to occur?

The unequal heating of the earth's surface by the sun Signup and view all the answers

When were wind turbines that could generate electricity first invented?

The late 1800s Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a wind turbine?

To transform kinetic energy of wind into electrical energy Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum wind speed required for larger scale turbines to generate electricity?

7-9 miles per hour Signup and view all the answers

Why are off-shore wind farms becoming more popular?

Because they produce more energy due to stronger winds Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant drawback of wind energy?

Inconsistent and unpredictable energy production Signup and view all the answers

What is a benefit of wind energy?

It is a clean and renewable energy source Signup and view all the answers

What is a common criticism of wind turbines?

They are noisy and unattractive Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between on-shore and off-shore wind farms?

Off-shore wind farms have stronger and more consistent winds Signup and view all the answers

What is a benefit of wind turbines in terms of land use?

They require very little ground space Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Wind Energy: An Overview

Electricity is a crucial part of our daily lives, but its production has a significant impact on the environment.
Fossil fuels, the primary source of electricity worldwide, contribute to air pollution and climate change.
Alternative energy sources, such as wind, solar, and hydroelectric power, offer a cleaner and more sustainable option.

History of Wind Energy

Wind-powered windmills were used to pump water, grind grain, and saw wood as early as 200 B.C.
In the late 1800s, wind turbines capable of generating electricity were invented.
Since the discovery of fossil fuels' negative impact on the climate, wind energy has gained popularity worldwide.

How Wind Turbines Work

Wind turbines convert kinetic energy from wind into mechanical energy and then into electrical energy.
The wind blows across the blades, spinning the shaft and gears, which connects to a generator that transforms the spinning motion into electrical energy.

Wind Turbine Requirements

Wind speed needs to be around 7-9 miles per hour for larger turbines, but smaller turbines require less.
Wind needs to be consistent and sustained, requiring turbines to be tall enough to catch wind above obstacles.

Wind Farms

Wind farms are collections of multiple wind turbines that generate a significant amount of electricity.
Off-shore wind farms, located in areas with consistent and strong winds, produce more energy despite being more expensive to build.

Pros of Wind Energy

Wind energy is a clean, renewable energy source that doesn't produce greenhouse gases or pollution.
Wind is a renewable energy source, so it won't run out.
Land surrounding wind turbines can still be used for farming.
Low operating costs once turbines are installed.
Many jobs are created in manufacturing, installing, and maintaining wind turbines.

Cons of Wind Energy

Without wind, there is no wind energy.
Wind can be inconsistent and unpredictable, leading to inconsistent energy production.
Geographic areas suitable for wind farms are limited and often in rural areas far from where electricity is needed.
Wind energy systems are expensive to make and install.
Some people find wind turbines noisy and unattractive.
Birds and bats can be killed by turbine blades.