What are fosil fuel ashy should we use them conviently
Answers
Electricity is a very convenient source of energy, which can be generated using different energy resources. Renewable energy resources such as solar power and wind power can meet some of the UK's electricity needs. Each energy resource has advantages and disadvantages.
Fossil fuels
Fossil fuels for power stations
Chemical energy stored in coal. This energy is transferred as heat and this energy is stored in water as steam. The energy in steam is transferred to movement in a turbine and to electrical energy in the turbine.
Energy transfer for the generation of electricity from a fossil fuel
The fossil fuels are coal, oil and natural gas. They are fuels because they release heat energy when they are burned. They are fossil fuels because they were formed from the remains of living organisms millions of years ago.
About three-quarters of the electricity generated in the UK comes from power stations fuelled by fossil fuels. Below is an energy transfer diagram for the generation of electricity from a fossil fuel such as coal.
Disadvantages of using fossil fuels
Fossil fuels are non-renewable energy resources. Their supply is limited and they will eventually run out. Fossil fuels do not renew themselves, while fuels such as wood can be renewed endlessly.
Fossil fuels release carbon dioxide when they burn, which adds to the greenhouse effect and increases global warming. Of the three fossil fuels, for a given amount of energy released, coal produces the most carbon dioxide and natural gas produces the least.
Coal and oil release sulfur dioxide gas when they burn, which causes breathing problems for living creatures and contributes to acid rain.
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