Starter quiz
- Match the following terms to the correct definitions.
- combustion⇔A substance is burned and reacts with oxygen to release energy. ✓
- exothermic⇔Any type of reaction that transfers energy to the surrounding. ✓
- fuel⇔A substance that releases its stored energy during combustion. ✓
- oxidation⇔A type of reaction where a substance reacts with oxygen. ✓
- In a chemical reaction the ______ in the reactants are rearranged to form new substances.
- 'atoms' ✓
- Which of the following are required for the combustion of a fuel?
- source of heat ✓
- oxygen ✓
- carbon dioxide
- water
-
- Which of the following equations shows the complete combustion of charcoal (carbon)?
- C + O₂ → CO₂ ✓
- C + O₂ → CO₂ + H₂O
- C + CO₂ → H₂O
- C + H₂O → CO₂
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- Which of the following are examples of non-renewable fuels?
- coal ✓
- crude oil ✓
- biofuel
- wind
-
- Select all the products of this complete combustion: CH₄ + O₂ → ...
- carbon dioxide ✓
- water ✓
- hydrogen
- oxygen
-
Exit quiz
- Match the following terms to the correct definitions.
- turbine⇔Series of angled blades that turns a generator in a power station. ✓
- generator⇔Generates electricity when turned. ✓
- pollutant⇔Substance that harms living organisms if released into the environment ✓
- greenhouse gas⇔A gas that traps 'heat' in the atmosphere. ✓
- Non-renewable fuels have many advantages and disadvantages. Which of the following are examples of advantages of using non-renewable fuels?
- They are a finite resource and will eventually run out.
- They release a lot of energy when burned. ✓
- They are relatively easy to source. ✓
- They release carbon dioxide; a greenhouse gas.
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- Sulfur dioxide gas can be released when fossil fuels are burned. Which problems are caused by the release of sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere?
- global dimming
- global warming
- acid rain ✓
- breathing diffculties ✓
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- Place the following statements in the correct order to explain how electricity is generated in a power station. The sequence should start with 'fuel is burned'.
- 1⇔Fuel is burned.
- 2⇔Water is heated to form steam.
- 3⇔High pressure steam turns turbines.
- 4⇔Spinning turbines turn electrical generators.
- 5⇔Electrical generators generate electricity.
- Carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide and carbon particulates are all examples of ...
- 'pollutants' ✓
- True or false? Wood pellets can be used in power stations as an alternative to fossil fuels.
- True ✓
- False
Worksheet
Presentation
Video
Lesson Details
Key learning points
- Non-renewable energy resources cannot be replaced in our lifetime once they are used up.
- A fuel can be burned to change water to steam.
- Steam generated in power stations is at a high pressure and turns massive turbines at high speed.
- Spinning turbines in power stations turns electrical generators that generate electricity.
- Burning coal, oil or gas in power stations makes carbon dioxide gas and other pollutants.
Common misconception
Students may not recognise that non-renewable fossil fuels have advantages. These advantages include being able to release a lot of energy when burned and that they are also relatively easy to source.
Explain that electricity demands are increasing and so it is important that power stations are able to generate electricity when needed or power cuts will happen. Until viable alternatives are readily available, fossil fuels will still be used.
Keywords
Turbine - In a power station is a series of angled blades that turn electrical generators that produce electricity.
Pollutants - Substances that harm living organisms when released into the environment.
Non-renewable energy resource - Cannot be replaced in our lifetime once they are used up.
Greenhouse gas - A gas that helps to trap 'heat' in the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide, methane and water vapour are greenhouse gases.
Fuel - A substance that releases energy when burned.