1. What is meant by the term fossil fuels? (2)
Fossil fuels include sources such as coal, oil and natural gas. They are called fossil fuels because they are the fossilised remains of ancient forests (coal) and sea creatures (oil and gas).
2. Distinguish between renewable and non-renewable resources. (2)
Renewable resources are those that present a continuous or near continuous stream of energy e.g. solar energy. Non-renewable resources are those which once burnt or used are gone forever. They cannot be replaced in our lifetime, such as coal or the uranium used in nuclear power statins.
3. Why is nuclear power a non-renewable energy source? (2)
Nuclear power uses a fuel called uranium. Uranium is non-renewable as it breaks down into other elements as it releases its energy – this is called radioactive decay.
4. Why are fossil fuels so important to the economies of advanced countries? (4)
Fossil fuels have enabled industrial societies to develop. Firstly, coal was used during the Industrial Revolution and is still widely used. Once the internal combustion engine was invented, oil became the main fuel used for transport. Today, fuel is needed to keep the ‘wheels turning’ – it is used extensively in transport. Coal and natural gas are used to generate electricity and gas is used in many homes for heating and cooking.
5. Outline the environmental effects of burning fossil fuels. (4)
Carbon dioxide is released, acting as a greenhouse gas, trapping heat and leading to a rise in global temperatures. Since the Industrial Revolution, the concentration of carbon dioxide has risen from 280 ppm to 410 ppm at the start of 2018. Burning coal also releases sulphur dioxide, which can dissolve in cloud droplets to fall as sulphuric acid (acid rain). Photochemical smog may also be produced, which can damage buildings as well as people’s lungs
6. Outline how conflicts can affect the cost and availability of fossil fuels. (4)
Much of the world’s oil is located in the Middle East – an unstable part of the world. Some people believe it is foolish to rely on reserves from regions that are unstable. For example, if conflict was to arise, these regions may reduce the amount they export, causing fossil fuels to become more scarce and the price to rise. For example, many believe the 1992 Gulf War and 2003 Iraq war were linked to control of Iraq’s large oil reserves and the wars led to a rise in oil prices across the globe.
7. Describe the types of renewable energy available in the UK. (4)
Wind power uses turbines (large windmills based on aircraft propellers) which turn a generator. Hydroelectric Power uses the gravitational energy of water held behind a dam to generate electricity by passing it through a turbine. Solar power harnesses the Sun’s energy and converts it to electricity via photovoltaic cells. Geothermal energy takes heat from deep underground and uses it to produce electricity. Tidal power can use the movement of water around the coast to turn turbines of the sea bed or fill reservoirs behind tidal barrages which can then be used like a hydroelectric power plant.
8. Outline the advantages and disadvantages of wind as an energy source. (4)
There are many advantages to using wind power – it is renewable and doesn’t release greenhouse gases like the burning of fossil fuels. Wind turbines are relatively cheap and quick to build (£1-1.5 million). There are many wind farm sites in the UK.
However, there are disadvantages. Firstly, the amount of electricity a turbine can generate is dependent upon the strength and duration of the wind – the wind may not blow and vary in strength. This is inefficient over the life of the turbine which may only generate 25030% of its potential. Secondly, they are considered an eyesore by some people who say that they should not be allowed to spread across the UK landscape.
9. With reference to fig.229 describe the changes in the UK primary energy consumption since 1948. (4)
Coal has dropped from being the principal source of energy used to hardly being used at all. In 1948, 140 million tonnes of oil equivalent (mtoe) were used. Over time, this steadily fell and settled at 10 million tonnes by 2008.
Since 1950, the mix has become more diverse. In 1950, natural gas began to be used. Its use has increased steadily since to reach around 50 mtoe by 2008. Oil began to be used in 1968, increasing in use until peaking at 150 mtoe 1998 before falling back over the following decade. Renewable and waste is a fairly new phenomenon, entering the UK energy mix in 1990.
10. Explain why petroleum is still so important to the UK energy mix. (4)
Petroleum is so important in the energy mix because it is used in road, sea and air transportation. While very little oil is used in electricity generation, it is still essential for the running of the combustion engines used in most transport. Until the majority of cars, lorries and planes run on alternative fuels oil will remain central to the UK energy mix. Sales of petrol and diesel cars will be banned from 2032. Oil should begin to fall in use from that point onwards.
11. With reference to fig.232 explain why the UK electricity production energy mix is described as 'balanced.' (2)
Coal, natural gas, nuclear and renewables contribute roughly equal percentages (between 20-30% each) in terms of electricity generation. This makes the mix balances as one energy source is not relied upon disproportionately.
12. What is nuclear power and why is it such a controversial energy source? (4)
Nuclear power is the method of producing electricity from the heat generated by reactions in the nuclei of atoms and uranium of plutonium decay in nuclear reactors. It is controversial because there is potential for disasters – such as happened with the reactor melt-down Chernobyl in 1986 or the Fukoshima reactor in Japan in 2011. There is also potential for the plutonium generated to be used for nuclear weapons or in terrorism. Nuclear waste is also dangerous and must be stored safely for many thousands of years as it takes a long time to lose its radioactivity. Nulcear power is also very expensive with the proposed Hinkley C plant estimated to cost ££22 billion.
13. With reference to fig.233, describe the distribution of Britain's nuclear power stations. (3)
Around but one reactor (Trawsfynedd) are found on the UK coast. All of the ‘live’ reactors are in England and Wales except for Hunterston and Torness which are in Scotland. There are more decommissioned reactors than live generating reactors. Mmany of the live reactors are built alongside now decommissioned reactors, such as at Sizewell and Hinkley.
14. Why is the geography of the UK ideal for generating electricity from wind? (3)
The geography of the UK is ideal for generating wind power because we are a windy location, being on the western, maritime edge of Europe. We have many hills and mountains which help increase wind speeds, we also have relatively shallow seas such as the Wash and Irish Sea which are ideal locations (steady winds and stable sea bed geology) for building off-shore wind farms.
15. Outline two problems associated with solar power in the UK. (4)
Firstly, we are not the sunniest country in the world. Solar generation in the UK is significantly lower in winter compared to summer because of the shorter days and lower height of the Sun in the sky. Summer days are an average of 16.5 hours compared to 8 hours in December. Secondly, expensive battery systems are needed to store the energy generated during the day if it is to be used at night. This is expensive for people who wish to generate electricity on their own roof.
16. What is meant by 'fracking'? (2)
Fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, is the process by which water and other materials, such as proppants, are injected at high pressure into gas-bearing rock with the aim of releasing the gas stored within the rock pores.
17. State one argument for and one against fracking for shale gas in the UK. (2)
One argument for using fracking is that by making most of our own gas reserves, we can safeguard our own supply whilst cutting carbon emissions from coal or oil. One argument against using fracking is that the fracking process may contaminate underground water sources with toxic chemicals. This could impact ecosystems.
18. Outline arguments for and against using natural gas to generate electricity. (4)
One argument for using natural gas to generate electricity is that when burnt, it burns cleanly to leave just water and carbon dioxide. Whereas, coal releases sulphur dioxide along with other chemicals when burnt. Of all the fossil fuels burning natural gas is the least pollution. An argument against using natural gas is that the carbon dioxide produced will contribute to the accelerated greenhouse effect and so contribute to global warming. Secondly, natural gas is not a renewable energy resource and so will ultimately run out leading to higher prices as it becomes scarcer.
