Other Non-Renewables
Science: KS3, topic 3.1.20
Other Non-Renewables
Fossil fuels, such as coal, oil and gas, are finite resources. Other finite resources are used to generate electricity.
Biomass
- Biomass or biological mass/matter.
- Biomass is organic material.
- The biomass is burnt to provide energy.
Biomass Positives
- Positives:
- Cheap and carbon neutral.
- Carbon neutral means there is no net increase in carbon dioxide released.
- The plant absorbs carbon in photosynthesis and releases it quickly.
Biomass Negatives
- Negatives:
- If plant material is not replanted, the method is non-renewable.
- The method is not sustainable.
- Deforestation.
Nuclear power stations (1)
- Nuclear power stations use uranium for energy.
- Nuclear fission of uranium generates heat to produce electricity.
- Nuclear fission is the splitting of atoms.
- Uranium is mined from the ground.
Nuclear power stations (2)
- Positives:
- Only a small amount of nuclear fuel is needed to produce a lot of energy.
- 1kg of uranium can produce 3,000,000 times more energy than coal.
- Does not produce carbon dioxide.
Nuclear Negatives
- Negatives:
- Nuclear waste.
- Nuclear accidents.
- High cost of building and decommissioning (stopping the power station from operating and dismantling it).
Test yourself on Other Non-Renewables
A farmer burns crops to make biomass energy. Every time crops are harvested, new ones are planted straight away. Why does this keep biomass renewable?
A biomass power station burns wood for fuel. New trees are planted to replace the ones cut down and absorb carbon dioxide as they grow. Why is this process called carbon neutral?