Theory question 208
Mining and Energy(a) Name the types of power derived from each of the following sources: (i) water; (ii) coal; (iii) natural gas; (iv) the sun (b) Write explanatory notes on the types of power obtained from water and sun under the following headings: (i) specific places of production; (ii) method of production; (iii) uses.
Show the model answer
(a) Water: hydro-electric power; coal: thermal electricity (and steam power); natural gas: thermal (gas-turbine) electricity; sun: solar power/energy.
(b) Hydro-electric power: (i) Kainji, Jebba, Shiroro (Nigeria), Akosombo (Ghana), Kariba, Aswan, Inga; (ii) a dam stores water in a reservoir; water falls through pipes (penstocks) and turns turbines that drive generators; electricity is sent through transmission lines; (iii) lighting, industries, domestic appliances, irrigation pumps.
Solar power: (i) sunny dry areas, e.g. northern Nigeria (Sokoto, Kano), deserts, many rural installations; (ii) solar panels (photovoltaic cells) turn sunlight into electricity stored in batteries, or solar collectors heat water; (iii) street lights, water heating, drying crops, pumping water, powering rural homes, telecommunication masts, calculators and watches.
Treat water and sun separately under the three headings.