Energy,
power[] and climate change. |
|
Energy degredation and power[] generation. |
8.1.1 |
State that thermal energy may be completely converted to work in a single
process, but that continuous conversion of this energy into work requires
a cyclical process and the transfer of some energy from the system. |
8.1.2 |
Explain what is meant by degraded energy. |
8.1.3 |
Construct and analyse energy flow diagrams (Sankey diagrams) and identify
where the energy is degraded. |
8.1.4 |
Outline the principal mechanisms involved in the production of electrical
power. |
|
World energy sources. |
8.2.1 |
Identify different world energy sources. |
8.2.2 |
Outline and distinguish between renewable and non-renewable energy
sources. |
8.2.3 |
Define the energy density of a fuel. |
8.2.4 |
Discuss how choice of fuel is influenced by its energy density. |
8.2.5 |
State the relative proportions of world use of the different energy
sources that are available. |
8.2.6 |
Discuss the relative advantages and disadvantages of various energy
sources. |
|
Fossil fuel power[] production. |
8.3.1 |
Outline the historical and geographical reasons for the widespread use of
fossil fuels. |
8.3.2 |
Discuss the energy density of fossil fuels with respect to the demand of
power[] stations. |
8.3.3 |
Discuss the relative advantages and disadvantages associated with the
transportation and storage of fossil fuels. |
8.3.4 |
State the overall efficiency[] of power[] stations fuelled by different fossil
fuels. |
8.3.5 |
Describe the environmental problems associated with the recovery of fossil
fuels and their use in power[] stations. |
|
Non-fossil fuel power[] production. |
|
Nuclear power. |
8.4.1 |
Describe how neutrons produced in a fission[] reaction may be used to
initiate further fission[] reactions (chain reactions). |
8.4.2 |
Distinguish between controlled nuclear fission[] (power production) and
uncontrolled nuclear fission[] (nuclear weapons). |
8.4.3 |
Describe what is meant by fuel enrichment. |
8.4.4 |
Describe the main energy transformations that take place in a nuclear
power[] station. |
8.4.5 |
Discuss the role of the moderator and the control rods in the production
of controlled fission[] in a thermal fission[] reactor. |
8.4.6 |
Discuss the role of the heat exchanger in a fission[] reactor. |
8.4.7 |
Describe how neutron capture by a nucleus of uranium-238 results in the
production of a nucleus of plutonium-239. |
8.4.8 |
Describe the importance of plutonium-239 as a nuclear fuel. |
8.4.9 |
Discuss safety issues and risks associated with the production of nuclear
power. |
8.4.10 |
Outline the problems associated with producing nuclear power using nuclear
fusion. |
8.4.11 |
Solve problems on the production of nuclear power. |
|
Solar power. |
8.4.12 |
Distinguish between a photovoltaic cell and a solar heating panel. |
8.4.13 |
Outline reasons for seasonal and regional variations in the solar power
incident per unit area of the Earths surface. |
8.4.14 |
Solve problems involving specific applications of photovoltaic cells and
solar heating panels. |
|
Hydroelectric power. |
8.4.15 |
Distinguish between different hydroelectric schemes. |
8.4.16 |
Describe the main energy transformations that take place in hydroelectric
schemes. |
8.4.17 |
Solve problems involving hydroelectric schemes. |
|
Wind power[]. |
8.4.18 |
Outline the basic features of a wind generator[]. |
8.4.19 |
Determine the power[] that may be delivered by a wind generator, assuming
that the wind kinetic energy[] is completely converted into mechanical
kinetic energy, and explain why this is possible. |
8.4.20 |
Solve problems involving wind power[]. |
|
Wave power[]. |
8.4.21 |
Describe the principle of operation of an oscillating water column (OWC)
ocean-wave energy converter. |
8.4.22 |
Determine the power[] per unil length of a wavefront, assuming a rectangular
profile for the wave. |
8.4.23 |
Solve problems involving wave power[]. |
|
Greenhouse effect[]. |
|
Solar radiation[]. |
8.5.1 |
Calculate the intensity of the Suns radiation incident on a planet. |
8.5.2 |
Define albedo. |
8.5.3 |
State factors that determine a planets albedo. |
|
The greenhouse effect. |
8.5.4 |
Describe the greenhouse effect. |
8.5.5 |
Identify the main greenhouse gases and their sources. |
8.5.6 |
Explain the molecular mechanisms by which greenhouse gases absorb infrared
radiation. |
8.5.7 |
Analyse absorption graphs to compare the relative effects of different
greenhouse gases. |
8.5.8 |
Outline the nature of black-body radiation. |
8.5.9 |
Draw and annotate a graph of the emission spectra of black bodies at
different temperatures. |
8.5.10 |
State the Stefan-Boltzmann law and apply it to compare emission rates from
different surfaces. |
8.5.11 |
Apply the concept of emissivity to compare the emission rates from the
different surfaces. |
8.5.12 |
Define surface heat capacity CS. |
8.5.13 |
Solve problems on the greenhouse effect[] and the heating of planets using a
simple energy balance climate model. |
|
Global warming[]. |
8.6.1 |
Describe some possible models of global warming. |
8.6.2 |
State what is meant by the enhanced greenhouse effect. |
8.6.3 |
Identify the increased combustion of fossil fuels as the likely major
cause of the enhanced greenhouse effect. |
8.6.4 |
Describe the evidence that links global warming[] to increased levels of
greenhouse gases. |
8.6.5 |
Outline some of the mechanisms that may increase the rate of global
warming. |
8.6.6 |
Define coefficient of volume expansion. |
8.6.7 |
State that one possible effect of the enhanced greenhouse effect[] is a rise
in mean sea-level. |
8.6.8 |
Outline possible reasons for a predicted rise in mean sea-level. |
8.6.9 |
Identify climate change as an outcome of the enhanced greenhouse effect. |
8.6.10 |
Solve problems related to the enhanced greenhouse effect. |
8.6.11 |
Identify some possible solutions to reduce the enhanced greenhouse effect. |
8.6.12 |
Discuss international efforts to reduce the enhanced greenhouse effect. |