Class 9 English Unit 8: Reading II: The Alternative Energy Sources

 

Reading II: The Alternative Energy Sources

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kUE0BZtTRc 

Vocabulary

1.           alternative /ɔːlˈtɜːnətɪv/ adjective - available as another possibility

2.           finite /ˈfaɪnaɪt/ adjective - having limits or bounds

3.           embraced /ɪmˈbreɪst/ verb - accepted or supported willingly

4.           looking /ˈlʊkɪŋ/ verb - directing one's gaze

5.           space-based /speɪs-beɪst/ adjective - located or operating in outer space

6.           fleets /fliːts/ noun - groups of ships or vehicles operating together

7.           reflectors /rɪˈflɛktəz/ noun - devices that reflect light or radiation

8.           inflatable /ɪnˈfleɪtəbl/ adjective - capable of being filled with air or gas

9.           radiation /ˌreɪdiˈeɪʃən/ noun - the emission of energy as electromagnetic waves

10.       microwaves /ˈmaɪkrəweɪvz/ noun - high-frequency electromagnetic waves

11.       beam /biːm/ noun - a line of light or other radiation

12.       wirelessly /ˈwaɪəlɪsli/ adverb - without using wires

13.       viability /ˌvaɪəˈbɪlɪti/ noun - the ability to work successfully

14.       renewable /rɪˈnjuːəbl/ adjective - capable of being replenished naturally

15.       harvesting /ˈhɑːvɪstɪŋ/ verb - gathering a crop

16.       microwatt /ˈmaɪkrəwɒt/ noun - a unit of power equal to one-millionth of a watt

17.       harness /ˈhɑːnɪs/ verb - to control and make use of

18.       knee brace /niː breɪs/ noun - a support for the knee

19.       electrons /ɪˈlɛktrɒnz/ noun - subatomic particles with a negative charge

20.       vanes /veɪnz/ noun - flat or curved blades that move or are moved by air or fluid

21.       wave energy /weɪv ˈɛnədʒi/ noun - power derived from ocean waves

22.       coastline /ˈkəʊstlaɪn/ noun - the outline of a coast

23.       odorless /ˈəʊdəlɪs/ adjective - having no smell

24.       yields /jiːldz/ noun - amounts produced or provided

25.       automakers /ˈɔːtəʊˌmeɪkəz/ noun - companies that manufacture cars

26.       skyscrapers /ˈskaɪˌskreɪpəz/ noun - very tall buildings

27.       steadier /ˈstɛdɪə/ adjective - more stable or firm

28.       autonomous /ɔːˈtɒnəməs/ adjective - capable of operating independently

29.       inexhaustible /ˌɪnɪɡˈzɔːstəbl/ adjective - unable to be used up

30.       meltdown /ˈmɛltdaʊn/ noun - a severe overheating of a nuclear reactor core

31.       fission /ˈfɪʃən/ noun - the splitting of an atomic nucleus

32.       isotopes /ˈaɪsətəʊps/ noun - variants of a particular chemical element

33.       bountiful /ˈbaʊntɪfəl/ adjective - plentiful; abundant

A.   Match the words in column A with the meanings in column B. (Answers only)

 

Column A	Column B
a.      fleet	iii. a group of something
b.     inflatable	iv. capable of being filled with air
c.      harness	vii. to control and use the force or strength of something
d.     vane	i. a flat plane that is moved by the wind
e.      skyscrapers	ii. a very tall building
f.       fission	v. the act or process of splitting the nucleus of an atom
g.     bountiful	vi. in large quantities

B.    Find the antonyms of the following words from the text.

Endless – finite          Modern – traditional                 Covered - revealed

Fragrant – odorless     Bound – autonomous                inadequate – bountiful

C.    Match the idea numbers in column A to the correct idea in column B. (Answers)

Column A	Column B
a.      Idea I	iv. solar energy
b.     Idea II	ii. hydrogen energy
c.      Idea III	iii. energy through the fusion process
d.     Idea IV	i. wave energy
e.      Idea V	v. energy through body movement
f.       Idea VI	vi. altaeros energy

D.   Answer the following questions.

a.      How did JAXA prove the viability of the idea of space-based solar energy?

JAXA proved the viability of the idea of space-based solar energy by successfully transmitting microwave power from space to the Earth's surface using a wireless power transmission system.

b.     What do we need to generate energy through our body movement?

To generate energy through our body movement, we need to use devices that can convert the kinetic energy of our movements into electrical energy.

c.      In what way are Idea III and V similar?

Idea III and V are similar in the sense that both involve generating energy without relying on non-renewable resources.

d.     How can hydrogen be used as a source of energy?

Hydrogen can be used as a source of energy by converting it into electricity.

e.      Why do floating turbines seem more effective than tower-mounted turbines?

Floating turbines seem more effective than tower-mounted turbines because they can capture stronger and more consistent wind currents at higher altitudes, where the wind is stronger and more reliable.

f.       Why is the fusion process environmentally friendly?

The fusion process is environmentally friendly because it does not produce greenhouse gases or other harmful byproducts.

g.     What does ITER stand for

ITER stands for International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor.

E.    Can you think of any other alternative energy sources? Talk about your ideas with your friends.

In addition to the mentioned alternative energy sources in the textbook such as solar, hydrogen, wave, and fusion energy, as well as energy harnessed from body movement and Altaeros energy, several other alternative energy sources hold promise for a sustainable future. One notable example is geothermal energy, which taps into the Earth's internal heat to generate electricity and provide heating. This renewable resource is abundant and reliable, offering a consistent power supply with minimal environmental impact. Additionally, biomass energy, derived from organic materials like plant and animal waste, provides a versatile and renewable energy source that can be used for electricity, heating, and transportation fuels. These alternative energy sources, along with emerging technologies, are crucial for reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating climate change.

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