Question

Match the description to the type of fuel in the key. Each answer can be used more than once. Each question may have more than one answer. a. nuclear power b. fossil fuels c. hydropower d. solar power e. wind power f. geothermal power. Renewable source of power

Short answer

The renewable sources of power in the key are: c. Hydropower, d. Solar power, e. Wind power, and f. Geothermal power.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the term Renewable source of power

Renewable sources of power are those that are replenished naturally and can be considered inexhaustible on a human timescale. They are a more sustainable option compared to non-renewable sources like fossil fuels which are finite and deplete over time.

Identify renewable sources in the key

Now, examine each of the given fuel types in the key, and determine if they fit the description of a renewable source of power: a. Nuclear power - Although nuclear power does not produce greenhouse gases, the uranium used as fuel is finite and therefore not considered renewable. b. Fossil fuels - These include coal, oil, and natural gas, which are formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals. These resources are finite and eventually run out, so they are not considered renewable. c. Hydropower - This type of power is generated from the gravitational force of falling or flowing water. Since water continues to flow and replenish naturally, hydropower is considered a renewable source of energy. d. Solar power - This type of power is generated from sunlight. As long as the sun continues to shine, solar energy is inexhaustible and therefore considered a renewable source of energy. e. Wind power - Wind power is generated from wind turbines that capture the kinetic energy of the wind. Since the wind continues to blow, wind power is considered a renewable source of energy. f. Geothermal power - This type of power is generated from the Earth's internal heat. Because heat is constantly generated inside the Earth, geothermal power is considered a renewable source of energy.

Provide the matching answer(s)

Based on the identification process above, the renewable sources of power in the key are: c. Hydropower, d. Solar power, e. Wind power, and f. Geothermal power.

Key concepts

Hydropower

Hydropower harnesses the energy of moving water to generate electricity. This process involves the use of dams, reservoirs, and turbines.
Whether it's a large-scale dam or a small river system, flowing water spins a turbine, which activates a generator to produce electricity.
The availability of water as a resource allows hydropower to be a continuous source of energy, making it highly reliable.

• It generates a significant amount of electricity with minimal environmental impact compared to fossil fuels.
• Once a plant is built, it has low operating costs and can run for decades.
• It's highly efficient, converting up to 90% of available energy into electricity.

However, constructing dams and altering waterways can impact local wildlife and ecosystems, which must be carefully managed. Additionally, not all locations are suitable for hydroelectric plants, as they require appropriate geographical and climatic conditions.

Solar Power

Solar power utilizes the sun's energy through photovoltaic cells usually in solar panels. This technology converts sunlight directly into electricity using semiconductor materials like silicon. Solar power is especially appealing because of its abundance and accessibility.
As long as the sun shines, there will be a supply of solar energy that can be harnessed almost anywhere in the world.

• It helps reduce carbon footprints, promoting environmental sustainability.
• Users can employ rooftop panels for personal electricity generation or solar farms for large-scale energy production.
• Initial costs can be high, but many regions offer incentives and rebates that can reduce costs.

While solar energy is clean and sustainable, it is subject to variability due to weather and time of day, leading users to rely on storage systems or grid connections for consistent supply.

Wind Power

Wind power captures the kinetic energy of wind through turbines. These structures can vary from small installations to massive wind farms.
When wind blows, it turns the blades of a turbine, which spins a shaft connected to a generator that produces electricity.
Its efficiency depends largely on wind speed and the placement of turbines.

• It's among the fastest-growing renewable energy sources because of major technological advancements.
• Turbine designs now minimize impact on wildlife, addressing one of the main environmental concerns.
• Wind farms can be placed onshore and offshore, providing flexibility in deployment.

However, there are aesthetic and noise-related concerns for communities, and the need for significant land space can be an issue when planning and building wind farms.

Geothermal Power

Geothermal power taps into heat stored beneath the Earth's surface. This heat originates from the original formation of the planet and the radioactive decay of minerals. It provides a consistent and reliable energy source.
Geothermal plants typically extract steam or hot water from the Earth to turn turbines that drive electricity generators.

• It delivers power with minimal environmental impact, producing significantly less greenhouse gases than conventional sources.
• Despite its potential, there's a limitation in geographical availability: it can only be used efficiently in regions with suitable geological conditions.
• Geothermal energy is available 24/7, unlike solar and wind, making it a stable energy source.

Because of these location-specific requirements, the expansion of geothermal power relies on advanced technology and substantial upfront investment to tap into less accessible areas.