What are two examples of renewable energy?
Sunlight, water, wind, biomass fuels, and geothermal energy
What is solar energy?
Energy from the sun
What is an advantage of solar energy?
It is available anywhere the sun is shining; it does not cause pollution; it will not run out for billions of years
How does a solar power plant work?
Rows of mirrors focus the sun's rays to heat a tank of water which creates steam which can be used to generate electricity
How do solar cells work?
When light hits the cell, an electric current is produced.
What is passive solar heating?
Light is converted to heat which is distributed without pumps or fans. It is how a car heats up on a hot day.
What is active solar heating?
Light strikes a dark metal surface of solar collector & is changed to thermal energy; water is pumped through pipes in solar collector & then through building
How does water produce electricity?
Water flows through a dam and turns a turbine which is connected to a generator
What is electricity produced by flowing water?
Hydroelectric power
What is a disadvantage of hydroelectric power?
Dams prevent some species of fish from breeding and can damage aquatic habitats.
Explain the water cycle.
The sun heats water at the Earth's surface. The water turns into water vapor. The water vapor condenses into clouds and falls as precipitation.
How can wind energy be captured?
Turbines
What is the cause of wind?
Uneven heating of Earth's surface
What is the fastest growing energy source in the world?
Wind energy
What is an advantage of nuclear power?
It does not produce air pollution because no fuels are burned.
What is a disadvantage of nuclear power?
The process can be dangerous and cause explosions; wastes can be dangerous if disposed of improperly
