GNED 1101 term test 2-Questions, Answers| Newest
Update 2026/2027
List and briefly discuss three main reasons why most countries continue to rely heavily on
fossil fuels as an energy source (include any relevant examples if available)
Fossil Fuels are natural resources that were created by natural processes on earth, it is cheaper,
and has a higher energy diversity
How does generation of coal energy differ from that of nuclear energy (type of reaction
used, type of waste produced during generation)?
Nuclear power plants generate radioactive waste whereas coal power plants do not
Although nuclear energy is becoming more cost effective, what must be done for it to
become more feasible? Is it realistic to assume that it can become a significant contributor
to energy production in the future?
For advanced nuclear energy to realize its potential, we have to make it more affordable and
scalable. Only then can it meaningfully contribute to our energy, security, and environmental
imperatives
Briefly discuss at least two factors that currently prevent renewable energy sources such as
wind, solar, hydro etc. from contributing to a greater percentage of primary energy
consumption.(The definition of renewable energy is given in the lecture slides- "Energy
resources and some statistics")
Renewable energy sources are often more expensive to produce than fossil fuels, which makes
them less economically competitive. Renewable energy sources are often dependent on weather
, conditions, and can be difficult to store for long periods of time. This makes it difficult to rely on
them as a primary source of energy
name 3 energy resources/sources
fossil fuels, nuclear, renewables
fossil fuels
formed from the decayed remains of the plants and animals
what are types of fossil fuels
coal, natural gas, crude oil
what is the largest component in natural gas
methane
What is nuclear energy?
energy stored in the nucleus (core) of an atom
Nuclear fission
splitting of heavy unstable nucleus into lighter nuclei releasing energy
Nuclear fusion
process where two light nuclei combine together to form heavier nucleus, releasing energy
Why Nuclear Energy?
low pollution, tech, powerful and efficient
Renewable energy
Update 2026/2027
List and briefly discuss three main reasons why most countries continue to rely heavily on
fossil fuels as an energy source (include any relevant examples if available)
Fossil Fuels are natural resources that were created by natural processes on earth, it is cheaper,
and has a higher energy diversity
How does generation of coal energy differ from that of nuclear energy (type of reaction
used, type of waste produced during generation)?
Nuclear power plants generate radioactive waste whereas coal power plants do not
Although nuclear energy is becoming more cost effective, what must be done for it to
become more feasible? Is it realistic to assume that it can become a significant contributor
to energy production in the future?
For advanced nuclear energy to realize its potential, we have to make it more affordable and
scalable. Only then can it meaningfully contribute to our energy, security, and environmental
imperatives
Briefly discuss at least two factors that currently prevent renewable energy sources such as
wind, solar, hydro etc. from contributing to a greater percentage of primary energy
consumption.(The definition of renewable energy is given in the lecture slides- "Energy
resources and some statistics")
Renewable energy sources are often more expensive to produce than fossil fuels, which makes
them less economically competitive. Renewable energy sources are often dependent on weather
, conditions, and can be difficult to store for long periods of time. This makes it difficult to rely on
them as a primary source of energy
name 3 energy resources/sources
fossil fuels, nuclear, renewables
fossil fuels
formed from the decayed remains of the plants and animals
what are types of fossil fuels
coal, natural gas, crude oil
what is the largest component in natural gas
methane
What is nuclear energy?
energy stored in the nucleus (core) of an atom
Nuclear fission
splitting of heavy unstable nucleus into lighter nuclei releasing energy
Nuclear fusion
process where two light nuclei combine together to form heavier nucleus, releasing energy
Why Nuclear Energy?
low pollution, tech, powerful and efficient
Renewable energy
