Question 1: Define non-renewable energy resources and provide two examples.

Answer: Non-renewable energy resources are sources of energy that cannot be replenished at a sustainable rate. Examples include coal and oil.

Question 2: Explain how fossil fuels release energy when burned.

Answer: Fossil fuels release energy through combustion, where chemical energy stored in the fuel reacts with oxygen to produce heat, carbon dioxide, and water.

Question 1: A power station burns 500 kg of coal per hour. If the energy content of coal is 24 MJ/kg, calculate the total energy released in 4 hours. Show your working.

Answer: Total energy = mass × energy content × time = 500 kg × 24 MJ/kg × 4 hours = 48,000 MJ.

Question 2: If a household consumes 30 kWh of energy daily, how much energy is this in joules? (1 kWh = 3.6 × 10^6 J)

Answer: Energy in joules = 30 kWh × 3.6 × 10^6 J/kWh = 1.08 × 10^8 J.

Question 1: List three safety precautions that should be considered when operating a fossil fuel power plant.

Answer: Regular maintenance and inspection, proper handling of flammable materials, and ensuring adequate ventilation to prevent build-up of gases.

Question 2: Identify two potential environmental hazards associated with non-renewable energy power plants.

Answer: Air pollution from emissions such as sulphur dioxide and carbon dioxide, and water pollution from waste products.

Question 1: In a study, a coal-fired power plant produces 1000 MW of power for 24 hours. If the plant operates at 35% efficiency, calculate the total energy input needed. Show your calculations.

Answer: Useful energy output = 1000 MW × 24 hours = 24,000 MWh = 8.64 × 10^10 J. Since efficiency = useful energy / total energy input, total energy input = useful energy / efficiency = 8.64 × 10^10 J / 0.35 ≈ 2.47 × 10^11 J.

Question 2: Discuss two reasons why non-renewable resources are considered unsustainable in the long term.

Answer: Non-renewable resources are finite and deplete over time, making their supply unpredictable in the future. Additionally, their extraction and burning release greenhouse gases and pollutants, contributing to environmental problems and climate change.

Question 1: Explain how the oil industry relies on non-renewable resources and discuss one environmental concern associated with oil extraction.

Answer: The oil industry extracts and processes crude oil, a non-renewable resource, to produce fuels like petrol and diesel. A major environmental concern is oil spills, which can cause extensive damage to marine ecosystems and contaminate water sources.

Question 2: Identify one technological advancement that has improved the efficiency of non-renewable power plants.

Answer: The development of ultra-supercritical boilers increases efficiency by operating at higher temperatures and pressures, reducing fuel consumption and emissions.