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Study the photograph of a wind turbine below and answer the questions that follow - NSC Agricultural Technology - Question 3 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 3
Study the photograph of a wind turbine below and answer the questions that follow. 3.1.1 Explain to a farmer FOUR requirements of a suitable location to install a w... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Study the photograph of a wind turbine below and answer the questions that follow - NSC Agricultural Technology - Question 3 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
Explain to a farmer FOUR requirements of a suitable location to install a wind turbine.
Answer
To successfully install a wind turbine, the following four requirements must be met:
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Wind Availability: The location should have sufficient wind speeds, as wind turbines require a strong and consistent wind to generate electricity efficiently.
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Open Space: The site must be surrounded by open fields or areas free from large obstacles, such as trees or buildings, which can disrupt wind flow and reduce turbine efficiency.
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Directionality: Ensure that the turbine is oriented toward the most common wind direction, optimizing energy capture.
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Distance from Obstructions: The installation site should not be close to overhead electric cables or structures that could interfere with the wind's path.
Step 2
Describe THREE advantages of wind energy.
Answer
Wind energy provides several benefits:
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Cost-Effectiveness: Once installed, wind turbines incur low operational costs and contribute significantly to reducing energy expenses over time.
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Environmentally Friendly: Wind energy generation does not produce harmful emissions, making it a clean and sustainable energy source that does not contribute to air pollution.
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Renewable Resource: Wind is a renewable resource, meaning it will not run out as long as the sun shines, and can provide energy consistently, especially in areas with high wind activity.
Step 3
State FOUR factors that will have a negative influence on the efficiency of a photovoltaic solar panel system.
Answer
The efficiency of a photovoltaic solar panel system can be negatively impacted by:
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Electronic Losses: If electrons are lost when converting sunlight into electricity, the panel's potential will not be fully utilized.
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Shading: Any object that shades the solar panels can reduce their energy output significantly.
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Orientation and Placement: Panels not facing the sun correctly or installed at sub-optimal angles will generate less energy.
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Dust and Dirt Accumulation: A build-up of dust and dirt can block sunlight, darkening the panel's capability to absorb solar energy effectively.
Step 4
Name TWO problems that can be associated with the generation of geothermal energy.
Answer
Geothermal energy generation can present the following issues:
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Resource Sustainability: There is a risk of depleting the geothermal resource if it is not managed properly, leading to decreased efficiency over time.
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Environmental Concerns: Geothermal plants can release gases that may be harmful to the environment, thus necessitating strict safety and environmental measures.
Step 5
Step 6
Name TWO processes that are used in the manufacturing of ethanol.
Answer
The two primary processes used in the manufacturing of ethanol are:
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Fermentation: This biological process involves converting sugars into alcohol using yeast.
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Distillation: This process separates the ethanol from the fermentation mixture to achieve higher purity and concentration.
Step 7
Describe THREE advantages of methanol as an alternative fuel.
Answer
Methanol offers several advantages as an alternative fuel, including:
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Lower Emissions: Methanol has a cleaner combustion process compared to traditional fossil fuels, reducing harmful emissions.
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Hydrogen Production: Methanol can be easily converted into hydrogen, which is an essential clean fuel for the future.
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Safety: Methanol has a lower flammability risk than gasoline, making it a safer alternative for various applications.