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Renewables (nuclear energy (advantages (minimal land disruption compared…
Renewables
nuclear energy
atoms split, relating neutrons and heat
neutrons hit other atoms, causing them to split, generating more neutrons and more heat
heats water, produces steam, turns turbines, turns generator, generates electricity
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Mainly found in the US, France, Russia, China, South Korea
advantages
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no combustion, less air pollution
disadvantages
radioactive waste
disposal sites should have no geological activity, no water, no people
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atoms bond together, releasing a large amount of energy
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the mass of the new atom formed less than the two original nuclei combined bc the rest given off as heat
conventionally use nuclear fission because fusion is not really practical with the large amount of energy it needs to happen
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wind energy
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wind turbine converts kinetic energy to mechanical power; the generator converts mechanical power into electricity
disadvantages
there isn't always wind
good wind sites are often located in remote locations far from cities where the electricity is needed
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wind turns the blades, gearbox which is connected to the generator speed up the wind and generates electricity
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hydropower
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relies on the water cycle; the amount of water in water bodies dictates the available amount of water for hydroelectric systems
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China, Brazil, Canada, US, and Russia have the largest hydropower
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hydrogen fuel cells
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operate like batteries but they do not run down or need charging as long as there is a constant flow of fuel and oxygen
hydrogen is abundant but difficult to put to use because it must be isolated, and the smaller the molecule the less energy it takes to break it
biofuel
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disadvantages
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can clog the machine, diminish engine performance, contribute to costly repairs
Solar energy
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active
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photovoltaic solar cells
A thin film that is treated with certain metals so that they generate electricity when they absorb solar energy
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biomass
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Can convert to biogas
Bioethanol (fermented from sugars) and biodiesel (derived from transesterification of fats) are two most used today