Fossil fuels such as coal, petroleum, and natural gas are abundant and easy to c

Question

Fossil fuels such as coal, petroleum, and natural gas are abundant and easy to convert into energy, but they are fast depleting. They also release pollutants that contribute to global warming.

With the increase in energy demands and the desire to keep our environment free from pollutants, research is being conducted to find alternate energy sources that are clean and renewable. Alternative energy is a term that refers to any source of usable energy intended to replace fossil fuels. Some of the alternate energies used are solar energy, tidal power, wind power, ocean thermal energy conversion, and hydroelectric power.

Alternative energies, like fossil fuels, have disadvantages and limitations. For example, solar energy cannot be used efficiently during winter months or when it is cloudy; tidal power and ocean thermal energy conversion are not useful in places that are far from the ocean; the wind doesn't blow all the time; and hydroelectric power requires large quantities of constantly moving water.

Nuclear energy is another alternative energy, but it is exhaustible. There are two ways of generating nuclear energy—nuclear fission and nuclear fusion. Nuclear fission is the splitting of a large atom into two or more smaller atoms, and nuclear fusion is the process of combining two or more lighter atoms into a larger atom.

Identify the drawbacks of alternate energy sources.

Drag the appropriate energy source on the left to its respective limitation given in the table.

Part A Identify the drawbacks of alternate energy sources Drag the appropriate energy source on the left to its respective limitation given in the table View Available Hint(s) Reset Help Energy source Limitation Solar energy Requires dams, which can flood croplands, disrupt migrating fish, and impact natural beauty Suited only for islands due to low power output and low efficiency Releases pollutants like hydrogen sulfide, HS, which has the odor of Tidal power Geothermal rotten eggs. Disposal of corrosive salt water is difficult. Wind energy Suitable locations are limited since ideal conditions in bays or estuaries are required. Hydroelectric power Nighttime and cloudy days seriously limit the amount of energy produced. Ocean thermal energy conversion Turbines pose a hazard to flying wildlife such as birds, they can be considered unsightly, and their output depends on weather conditions. Submit

Explanation / Answer

Drawbacks of alternative energy sources -

* the biggest drawback of renewable energy is relatively the higher costs of most forms of alternative energy sources as compared to the fossil fuels.

* Alternative energy sources have low efficiency this is so because government can finance only certain amount investments at a time.

* It has a issue with the stability of the system like solar energy are unable to produce enough energy to meet the demand.

Part A -

Energy source

* Hydroelectric power - requires dams, which can flood cropland, disrupt migrating fish and impact natural beauty.

*geothermal energy - suited for islands due to power output and low efficacy.

*Tidal power - situable location are limited since ideal conditions in bays or estuaries are required.

* solar energy - nighttime and cloudy days seriously limit the amount of energy produced.

Part B

Nuclear fission -

Radioactive wastes are produced.

Waste products need safe large storage facilities

Uranium and plutonium is used as sources

Nuclear Fusion -

Byproducts are mainly predicted to be non pollutants

Deuterium and tritium is used as sources

Critical ignition temperature is above 100 million °C

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