Which energy conversion occurs in thermal power plants?
A Wind to electricity
B Light to electricity
C Heat to electricity
D Kinetic to electrical
In thermal power plants, heat from burning fuel (usually coal or natural gas) is used to produce steam, which drives turbines connected to generators. This process converts thermal energy into electrical energy efficiently.
What does a hydroelectric power plant primarily rely on for energy production?
A Water flow
B Sunlight
C Geothermal heat
D Wind force
Hydroelectric power plants harness the kinetic energy of flowing water to generate electricity. Water from a reservoir flows through turbines, generating mechanical energy, which is then converted into electrical energy.
Which fuel is most commonly used in nuclear power plants?
A Coal
B Uranium
C Biomass
D Natural gas
Nuclear power plants use uranium as fuel. The process of nuclear fission splits uranium atoms, releasing a large amount of heat. This heat is used to produce steam, which drives turbines to generate electricity.
Which type of power plant uses photovoltaic cells for energy generation?
A Biomass
B Tidal
C Wind
D Solar
Solar power plants use photovoltaic (PV) cells to convert sunlight directly into electricity. The photovoltaic effect occurs when sunlight strikes the cells, causing electrons to flow and generate electricity without any moving parts.
Which renewable energy source generates power from moving air?
A Tidal
B Wind
C Biomass
D Geothermal
Wind energy is generated by converting the kinetic energy of moving air into mechanical energy through turbines. This mechanical energy is then converted into electrical energy, making wind a clean, renewable energy source.
Which is a disadvantage of wind energy generation?
A High fuel cost
B Toxic emissions
C Intermittency
D Limited efficiency
Wind energy generation depends on wind speed, which varies throughout the day and year. This intermittency can make it challenging to maintain a consistent supply of electricity from wind power alone, requiring backup systems or storage solutions.
What is the primary environmental benefit of using solar power?
A High efficiency
B No emissions
C Easy installation
D Low cost
Solar power generation does not produce emissions, making it a clean energy source. Unlike fossil fuels, solar energy does not contribute to air pollution or greenhouse gas emissions, helping to reduce the environmental impact of energy generation.
In a geothermal power plant, what is used to drive turbines?
A Water
B Wind
C Coal
D Steam
Geothermal power plants use steam produced from the Earth’s natural heat to drive turbines. The steam is extracted from hot underground reservoirs and used to generate mechanical energy, which is then converted into electricity.
What is the main advantage of using biomass for power generation?
A Low efficiency
B High cost
C Renewable
D Large footprint
Biomass is considered a renewable energy source because it comes from organic materials like wood, agricultural waste, and animal manure. As long as these materials are replenished, biomass can be a sustainable energy source.
Which energy source is used in tidal power plants?
A Wind currents
B Ocean tides
C Geothermal heat
D Solar radiation
Tidal power plants use the gravitational pull of the moon and sun, which causes ocean tides. These tidal movements are harnessed through turbines to generate electricity, making it a predictable and renewable energy source.
What is the role of a cooling system in a power plant?
A Emission control
B Fuel storage
C Temperature regulation
D Power transmission
Cooling systems in power plants help to regulate the temperature of machinery, especially turbines and generators, by dissipating excess heat. This is crucial for maintaining efficiency and preventing overheating, which could damage equipment.
What does a combined cycle power plant improve?
A Cooling
B Efficiency
C Emissions
D Cost
A combined cycle power plant improves energy efficiency by using both gas and steam turbines. The gas turbine generates electricity, while the waste heat from its exhaust is used to produce steam, which powers a second turbine.
Which system is often used to store electricity generated from renewable sources?
A Energy storage
B Solar panels
C Backup generator
D Transmission lines
Energy storage systems, such as batteries or pumped hydro storage, are used to store excess electricity produced during periods of low demand or high renewable generation. This stored energy can be used during peak demand times.
Which type of power plant combines heat and electricity generation?
A Wind
B Geothermal
C Solar
D Cogeneration
Cogeneration, or combined heat and power (CHP), involves the simultaneous generation of electricity and useful heat. By using both forms of energy, cogeneration systems improve efficiency and reduce waste by utilizing heat that would otherwise be discarded.
What does energy conversion efficiency measure?
A Energy loss
B Power output
C Power quality
D Fuel cost
Energy conversion efficiency measures how much of the input energy is converted into useful output energy. The rest is lost as heat, friction, or other forms of energy that do not contribute to the intended output, affecting overall system performance.