topic 4.0 – society and electricity. i. ways to produce electrical energy a. using thermal energy...
TRANSCRIPT
I. Ways to Produce Electrical Energy
A. Using Thermal Energy (Heat)o Coal: Is burned to produce heato Nuclear Fission : Uranium atom is split to produce heato Geothermal : Steam from beneath the Earth’s surface is
used to drive turbines. o Biomass: Biodegradable garbage is burned to produce
heat.o Cogeneration: Taking heat from a manufacturing
process and using it to heat water to steam.
I. Ways to Produce Electrical Energy
A. Using Thermal Energy (Heat)Basic Steps:1. Heat is used to boil water. (thermal energy)2. Water turns to steam.3. Steam turns a turbine (mechanical energy) 4. Turbine is connected to generator which produces
electrical energy.
I. Ways to Produce Electrical Energy
B. Using HydroelectricBasic Steps:1. Water is held behind a dam. 2. When reservoir opens, water falls down on a
turbine. (mechanical energy)3. Turbine is connected to generator which produces
electrical energy.
I. Ways to Produce Electrical Energy
C. Alternative Energy Sourceso Tides: moving water in ocean moves turbineso Wind : wind moves windmills connected to turbines.o Sunlight : sunlight excites electrons in solar panelso Batteries: Use chemical energy to create electrical
energy
I. Ways to Produce Electrical Energy
D. Renewable vs. Non-renewable ResourcesRenewable resources – those that can be replaced
over short periods of time. Some are continually made.
Ex. Wind, Tidal, Solar, Geothermal, Biomass
Non-renewable resources- those that cannot be replaced if used up
Ex. Coal, Nuclear, Oil, Natural gas
II. Electricity and the Environment
o The burning of fossil fuels (oil, natural gas) release the following into the air:oSO2 – causes acid rainoNOx – causes air pollutionoCO2 – is a known greenhouse gas
Sidenote: Greenhouse gases increase the Earth’s average temperature
Mining for coal involves strip mining. It is the process of removing all plants and animals from the area and digging up scoops of coal.
oWhen generating electricity, water is needed and warm water is released back into the river.oThis alters the temperature of the lake/river and
can kill organisms. (Wabamun)oCalled thermal pollution
II. Electricity and the Environment
o Nuclear energy produces radioactive wastes that cannot be disposed of.
o Hydroelectric uses dams which can flood hectares of land
o Wind farms/ solar energy requires large amounts of land.
II. Electricity and the Environment
Even though some energy sources are considered “green” they all cause problems for our environment.
II. Electricity and the Environment
Sustainability – the idea of using resources at a rate that can be used indefinitely (forever). This includes:◦Using renewable sources of energy◦Reducing personal energy consumption - conservation
Conservation - reducing your own personal consumption of energy
Video: Alternative energy sources Learn 360