Geothermal energy: How it works

Geothermal energy is formed beneath the Earth's surface when water collects underground and is heated by magma, friction, or radioactive heat. To harness this energy, cold water is pumped into a reservoir, and pressure pushes hot water to the surface. This hot water heats a secondary fluid through a heat exchanger, producing steam that spins a turbine to generate electricity.

What are the sources of heat that warm the water beneath the Earth's surface?

• Sunlight and wind

• Electricity and gas

• Chemical reactions

• Magma, friction, and radioactive heat

How is geothermal energy exploited according to the video?

• By burning coal

• By drilling for oil

• By using solar panels

• By pumping cold water into a reservoir

What role does pressure play in the geothermal energy process?

• It creates steam

• It pushes hot water to the surface

• It cools the water

• It generates electricity directly

What is the purpose of the heat exchanger in the geothermal energy process?

• To heat a secondary fluid

• To store electricity

• To filter impurities

• To cool down the hot water

How is electricity generated in the geothermal energy process?

• By solar panels

• By steam from a secondary fluid spinning a turbine

• By using wind turbines

• By burning fossil fuels