Contents
Key Stage 3
Meaning
Natural Gas is a gaseous Fossil Fuel formed from the remains of dead plants and animals.
About Natural Gas
- Natural Gas is a non-renewable energy resource.
- Natural Gas has energy in its chemical potential energy store which can be transferred into a thermal energy store by combustion.
Power
- Natural Gas can be used to provide power directly buy burning it in homes and in furnaces or it can provide power by generating electricity.
 |
| A diagram of a coal power station. |
- 1. Natural Gas is burned in a furnace.
- 2. Water is heated in a boiler by the burning gas.
- 3. Water turns to steam and passes down pipes to turn a turbine.
- 4. The turbine causes a generator to spin.
- 5. The generator makes an electrical current.
Advantages
- Can work continuously.
- Power supply can be varied quickly depending on demand.
- Few power stations needed to supply a large number of houses.
Disadvantages
- Cost of fuel.
- Produce Carbon Dioxide contributing to global warming.
- Other pollutants produced which can harm health or produce acid rain.
- Natural Gas will run out.