Ib Physics Hl Topic 8

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1. State that thermal energy may be completely converted to work in a single process, but that continuous conversion of this energy into work requires a cyclical process and the transfer of some energy from the system.

Simple stating of objective.

Explaining the scientific principles involved.

Providing examples of thermal energy conversion in everyday life.

Discussing the history of research in thermal energy conversion.

The question is asking for a simple statement of the objective without delving into scientific explanations, examples, or historical contexts.

Explanation

The question is asking for a simple statement of the objective without delving into scientific explanations, examples, or historical contexts.

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About This Quiz

Explore key concepts in Energy Production with this set of flashcards designed for students tackling Topic 8 of the IB Physics HL curriculum. Enhance your understanding of complex... see moreenergy systems and their physics applications, preparing effectively for related assessments. see less

2. Explain what is meant by degraded energy.

Students should understand that, in any processthat involves energy transformations, the energythat is transferred to the surroundings (thermalenergy) is no longer available to perform usefulwork.

Degraded energy is energy that is converted into a different form, but still has the same amount of potential energy as before.

Degraded energy is energy that is lost during a process and cannot be accounted for.

Degraded energy refers to energy that is stored unused in a battery.

Understanding the concept of degraded energy is crucial in understanding energy transformations and the limitations of energy for performing work.

Explanation

Understanding the concept of degraded energy is crucial in understanding energy transformations and the limitations of energy for performing work.

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3. 8.1.3: Construct and analyse energy flow diagrams (Sankey diagrams) and identify where the energy is degraded.

Sankey diagrams are not important in energy analysis and can be skipped.

Students should focus on memorizing energy equations for different systems.

It is expected that students will be able to constructflow diagrams for various systems including thosedescribed in sub-topics 8.3 and 8.4.

Energy flow diagrams are only useful for visual representation and not for analysis.

Energy flow diagrams, particularly Sankey diagrams, are essential tools for visualizing energy transfers and identifying areas of energy degradation. Students should be able to construct and analyze these diagrams for various systems to understand energy efficiency and degradation.

Explanation

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4. Outline the principal mechanisms involved in the production of electrical power.

Hydroelectric power is generated by nuclear fusion reactions in power plants.

Solar panels convert heat energy directly into electricity without any intermediate steps.

Electricity is produced by burning wood directly in a generator to create power.

Students should know that electrical energy maybe produced by rotating coils in a magnetic field.
Any force that will spin aturbine (e.g. steam from water heated by burning fossil fuels, wind, waves,etc.
Turbine causes generator toproduce electricity from electromagnetic induction.

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5. Identify different world energy sources associated with CO2 emission.

Biomass

Hydrogen

Coal

Students should be able to recognize those sourcesassociated with CO2 emission. Students should also appreciate that, in mostinstances, the Sun is the prime energy source forworld energy.
Different Sources:
CoalOilNatural gasNuclearSolarWindWaveTidalHydroelectricGeothermal

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6. Discuss how choice of fuel is influenced by its energy density.

Energy density does not influence the choice of fuel.

Greater energy density = greater energy perunit mass/volume = more energy for same mass/volume = more efficient
These factors influence choice based on energy density alone.

Higher energy density = less energy per unit mass/volume = less energy for same mass/volume = less efficient.

Lower energy density = lower energy per unit mass/volume = less energy for same mass/volume = more efficient.

The answer emphasizes that greater energy density results in more energy for the same mass/volume, making it more efficient. The incorrect answers provide contrasting statements to highlight the importance of energy density in fuel choice.

Explanation

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7. 8.2.5: State the relative proportions of world use of the different energy sources that are available.

B. Oil: 50%, Wind: 5%, Geothermal: 20%, Biomass: 25%

C. Natural Gas: 30%, Hydro: 10%, Biomass: 5%, Solar: 15%

A. Coal: 25%, Solar: 10%, Nuclear: 35%, Hydro: 15%

See image.

The correct answer involves a breakdown of the relative proportions of energy sources used worldwide, making it necessary to refer to a visual representation or detailed data for accurate information.

Explanation

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8. Discuss the relative advantages and disadvantages of various energy sources.

Nuclear energy is entirely risk-free.

Fossil fuels are the most environmentally friendly energy source.

See image.

Renewable energy sources are expensive and not reliable.

The question prompts for a discussion on the advantages and disadvantages of energy sources, which would require a detailed response beyond a single correct answer. The incorrect answers provided are common misconceptions about energy sources that can be used to create a multiple-choice question with explanations.

Explanation

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9. Outline the historical and geographical reasons for the widespread use of fossil fuels.

Fossil fuels were only used in specific regions due to limited availability.

The use of fossil fuels started as a sustainable energy option before other alternatives were explored.

The development and use of fossil fuels had no impact on the industrial revolution.

Students should appreciate that industrializationled to a higher rate of energy usage, leading toindustry being developed near to large deposits offossil fuels.
Industrial Revolution hadlarge energy demands, increasing population growth
Household appliances andheavy industrial machinery require large amounts of energy, steam engine and other inventions
GeographicalFossil fuel reservesabundant in most continentsIndustrial developmentscentered around fossil fuel deposits

The correct answer outlines how industrialization drove the demand for energy and led to industries being developed near fossil fuel deposits.

Explanation

The correct answer outlines how industrialization drove the demand for energy and led to industries being developed near fossil fuel deposits.

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10. Discuss the energy density of fossil fuels with respect to the demands of power stations.

Students should be able to estimate the rate of fuelconsumption by power stations. People demand power all the time. Used even when we sleep.

Power stations do not rely on fossil fuels for energy production.

The energy density of fossil fuels is not relevant to power station demands.

Fossil fuels have low energy density compared to renewable energy sources.

Understanding the energy density of fossil fuels is crucial in meeting the demands of power stations, as they are a primary source of energy for electricity generation.

Explanation

Understanding the energy density of fossil fuels is crucial in meeting the demands of power stations, as they are a primary source of energy for electricity generation.

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11. Discuss the relative advantages and disadvantages associated with the transportation and storage of fossil fuels.

CoalAdvantages-simple storage-safeDisadvantages-low energy density OilAdvantages-convenient location of rigsDisadvantages-oil spills and leaks-vulnerable to terroristactivities and natural disasters Natural gasAdvantages-high energy densityDisadvantages-expensive gas line setup andmaintenance costs

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12. Describe the environmental problems associated with the recovery of fossil fuels and their use in power stations.

Renewable energy sources do not have any environmental problems associated with their use

CoalRecovery-strip mining (sulfuric acid and soil erosion)-mining hazards (toxic gas and tunnel cave ins) Oil and Natural gasRecovery-extensive time to map and plan construction-expensive construction and maintenance costs-possible spill and leak risks Power Station Use-air pollution (CO2, CO, SO2,soot, Nitrogen oxides emissions)

The process of recovering fossil fuels is completely safe and does not pose any risks to the environment

Fossil fuel recovery and power station use have no impact on air quality

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13. Describe how neutron capture by a nucleus of uranium-238 (238U) results in the production of a nucleus of plutonium-239 (239Pu).

Neutron absorption by U-238 results in the decay of the nucleus to form Pu-239 without the intermediary steps.

Neutron collides with U-238 atom. U-238 atom undergoes beta decay to produce Pu-239 directly.

1. Neutron collides with U-238atom.2. U-238 atom fuses with neutronand creates U-239.3. U-239 undergoes beta decay toproduce Np-239.4. Np-239 undergoes beta decay toproduce Pu-239.

Neutron collides with U-238 atom, leading to the immediate production of Pu-239.

The correct sequence involves the fusion of the neutron with U-238 to form U-239, followed by beta decay processes to finally result in the creation of Pu-239.

Explanation

The correct sequence involves the fusion of the neutron with U-238 to form U-239, followed by beta decay processes to finally result in the creation of Pu-239.

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14. Describe the importance of plutonium-239 (239Pu) as a nuclear fuel.

Plutonium-239 is a highly unstable material and poses a significant safety risk

Plutonium-239 is primarily used for medical treatments

Plutonium-239 is not a viable alternative to traditional fossil fuels for energy production

-Pu-239 is fissionable material-Increases efficiency of powerstation as it utilizes less-fissionable U-238- Creates more fissionable material than consumed, "breeder reactor"

Plutonium-239 (239Pu) is a valuable nuclear fuel that can sustain nuclear fission chain reactions by producing more fissionable material than consumed, making it an efficient energy source.

Explanation

Plutonium-239 (239Pu) is a valuable nuclear fuel that can sustain nuclear fission chain reactions by producing more fissionable material than consumed, making it an efficient energy source.

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15. Discuss safety issues and risks associated with the production of nuclear power.

Radioactive waste disposal is a non-issue in the production of nuclear power

The mining of uranium does not pose any environmental or health risks

Such issues involve: the possibility of thermal meltdown and how itmight arise problems associated with nuclear waste problems associated with the mining of uranium the possibility that a nuclear power programmemay be used as a means to produce nuclearweapons.

Potential risks of nuclear power include tar sands oil spills

The correct answer describes safety issues and risks associated with nuclear power production, while the three incorrect answers provide inaccurate information that does not pertain to the topic.

Explanation

The correct answer describes safety issues and risks associated with nuclear power production, while the three incorrect answers provide inaccurate information that does not pertain to the topic.

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