1.3 National & Global Energy Resources

These flashcards are for Topic 1 - Energy in AQA GCSE Physics (Triple Higher). They cover specification point 4.1.3

What is the definition of a renewable energy resource?

A renewable energy resource is one that is being, or can be, replenished as it is used.

What is the definition of a non-renewable energy resource?

A non-renewable energy resource is one that has a finite amount and will eventually run out as reserves are depleted.

Name the three main types of fossil fuels.

Coal, oil, and natural gas.

List the main energy resources available for use on Earth.

Fossil fuels, nuclear fuel, bio-fuel, wind, hydro-electricity, geothermal, tides, the Sun, and water waves.

Identify the three main uses of energy resources.

Transport, electricity generation, and heating.

What type of energy resource primarily fuels most forms of transport like cars and planes?

Fossil fuels

What is the primary disadvantage of using fossil fuels in terms of environmental impact?

Burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming and climate change.

What is an additional environmental problem caused by burning some fossil fuels, particularly coal?

The release of sulfur dioxide, which can lead to the formation of acid rain.

State one major advantage of using fossil fuels for large-scale electricity generation.

Fossil fuels are reliable and can produce a large, consistent power output on demand.

What type of energy is stored in nuclear fuels such as uranium and plutonium?

Nuclear energy

What is the main advantage of nuclear power in terms of emissions?

Nuclear power plants do not release carbon dioxide during operation, so they do not contribute to climate change.

What is a significant advantage of nuclear fuel regarding energy output?

Nuclear fuels have a very high energy density, meaning a small amount of fuel can release a very large amount of energy.

What is the primary environmental disadvantage of nuclear power?

Nuclear power produces highly dangerous radioactive waste that must be safely stored for thousands of years.

State a major disadvantage related to the construction and end-of-life of nuclear power plants.

Nuclear power plants are very expensive to build and hard to dismantle safely at the end of their operational life.

What is a biofuel?

A biofuel is any fuel that is made from recently living organisms, such as plants, algae, or animal waste.

Why are biofuels considered to be 'carbon neutral'?

Because the carbon dioxide released when they are burnt is theoretically equal to the amount they absorbed from the atmosphere while growing.

What is a disadvantage of growing crops specifically for biofuels?

Large areas of land are required, which can lead to deforestation, habitat destruction, and a reduction in land available for growing food.

Are biofuels a renewable or non-renewable energy resource, and why?

Biofuels are a renewable energy resource because the organisms they are derived from can be regrown.

How do wind turbines generate electricity?

The kinetic energy of the wind turns the turbine's blades, which drives a generator to produce electricity.

What is a major disadvantage of wind power regarding its reliability?

Wind power is unreliable as it is dependent on the weather.

State a social or aesthetic disadvantage associated with wind farms.

Some people consider wind turbines to be a form of visual pollution or noise pollution.

How does a hydroelectric power station generate electricity?

Water stored at a height in a reservoir (gravitational potential energy) is released to flow through and turn turbines, which drive generators.

What is a significant advantage of hydroelectric power in terms of reliability?

Hydroelectric power is a very reliable source of electricity and can be switched on quickly to meet sudden increases in demand.

What is a major environmental disadvantage of building large-scale hydroelectric dams?

The creation of a large reservoir involves flooding a significant area of land, which destroys local habitats and can displace communities.

What is geothermal energy?

Geothermal energy is thermal energy generated and stored within the Earth's crust, originating from the planet's formation and radioactive decay.

How can geothermal energy be used to generate electricity?

Water is pumped underground to be heated by hot rocks into steam, which then rises to turn turbines connected to generators.

What is a major limitation of geothermal power generation?

It is only feasible in specific volcanic or geologically active regions where hot rocks are located close to the Earth's surface.

What is the primary source of energy harnessed by tidal power systems?

The kinetic energy from the movement of tides, caused mainly by the Moon's gravitational pull.

How does a tidal barrage work to generate electricity?

A barrage traps water at high tide, and as the tide goes out, the water is released through turbines to generate electricity.

What is a key advantage of tidal power concerning predictability?

Tidal power is highly reliable and predictable because the timing of high and low tides is known long in advance.

What is the main way solar energy is used to generate electricity directly?

Photovoltaic cells, often in solar panels, are used to convert sunlight directly into an electric current.

What is the primary limitation of solar power for consistent electricity generation?

Solar power is dependent on the weather and is only available during daylight hours, making it an unreliable source.

How is energy from water waves harnessed to generate electricity?

The kinetic energy of the up-and-down motion of waves is used to drive a generator, often via a floating turbine or piston.

Why are some energy resources considered more reliable than others?

Some resources, like fossil fuels and nuclear, can generate power on demand, whereas others, like wind and solar, are dependent on variable weather conditions.

What was the dominant energy resource used in the UK for electricity, heating, and cooking up until the 1950s?

Coal

What two major changes in the UK's energy mix led to a sharp fall in the use of coal from the 1950s onwards?

The introduction of nuclear power and the discovery and exploitation of oil and gas.

What advantage do gas-fired power stations have over coal-fired power stations in meeting demand fluctuations?

Gas-fired power stations have a very short start-up time, allowing them to be switched on quickly to provide extra power during periods of high demand.

Give an economic reason why a country might continue to use fossil fuels despite environmental concerns.

The existing infrastructure for fossil fuels makes them relatively cheap, and switching to renewables requires significant financial investment.

What is meant by the term 'base load' in electricity supply?

'Base load' refers to the minimum, constant level of electricity demand that is required 24/7.

Which type of power station is considered ideal for providing a 'base load' of electricity and why?

Nuclear power stations are ideal for base load as they produce a large, constant supply of electricity and are difficult to turn on and off quickly.

Why is energy demand generally higher in winter than in summer in countries like the UK?

More energy is required for heating and lighting during the colder, darker winter months.

What is the main driver behind the recent shift towards renewable energy resources in many countries?

The need to reduce carbon dioxide emissions to combat climate change.