1. Two towns are located on either side of a big coastal bay. A proposal is put forward to build a bridge over the bay to connect the towns. The bridge would also include turbines and generators and it has been estimated that they’d produce enough energy for both of the towns.

a) If built, what would be the form of renewable energy used to generate electricity?

b) Most people are in favour of the bridge. Suggest two reasons why.

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c) The towns would have to stay connected to the National Grid. Give one reason why.

2. The UK depends on nuclear fuels for about 20% of its total electricity supply.

a) What is the process called by which nuclear fuel produces heat?

b) Explain how this heat is used to generate electricity in power stations.

c) Nuclear power station produce dangerous waste. Why is it dangerous?

3. A headline from a newspaper read: Climate Change Protests Erupts Outside Britain’s Biggest Coal-burning Power Station.

a) Describe the link between coal-burning power stations and climate change.

b) Coal is a fossil fuel. How are fossil fuels created?

c) Name two other fossil fuels.

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ANSWERS

1. a) Tidal

b) Answers include:

– Free energy source
– Tides are predictable
– Produces less pollutants
– Conserves fossil fuels
– Renewable energy source
– No visual or noise pollution
– Provides employment

c) Answers include:

– The electricity demand might be greater than the supply
– Excess energy can be sold to the National Grid

2. a) Nuclear fission

b) The water is heated up to produce steam. This steam turns the turbine which drives the generator.

c) It’s radioactive.

3. a) The power stations produce carbon dioxide which is a greenhouse gas that contribute to global warming.

b) They were created from living organisms that died millions of years ago.

c) oil
natural gas