Physics AQA Topic 1 (National and global energy resources)

4.1.3

What is a renewable energy source

An energy source which can be replenished as it is being used up

Give examples of renewable energy resources

Wind, waves, geothermal, hydro-electricity, tidal and solar

Give examples of non renewable energy sources

Fossil fuels (coal, oil and gas), nuclear fuel, bio-fuel

What are some uses of energy resources

Transport, electricity, generation and heating

What are the advantages of generating power using gas rather than coal

Gas power stations have short start up times so can be switched on/off more readily, and it has lower carbon dioxide emissions

State two disadvantages of using renewable energy resources to generate power

Output is determines by external factors (e.g. wind speed) so the supply is uncertain, and generating power through other means is often more efficient and economically beneficial than using renewable energy sources

Explain the environmental impacts of burning fossil fuels

Carbon dioxide contributes to the greenhouse effect, causing global warming, release of sulfur dioxide also leads to acid rain, which can damage buildings and crop

State three advantages of fossil fuels as an energy resource

It is not dependent on external factors so can generate power anytime, it can produce large amounts of energy for a given quantity, and it is still relatively abundant, so it is cost effective

State three advantages of nuclear power

It can produce large amounts of energy for relatively small quantities of fuel, it doesn't release greenhouse gases and so doesn't contribute to climate change, and it has low fuel costs

State three disadvantages of nuclear power

It produces nuclear waste which is harmful to humans and needs to be safely stored for centuries, it is a non renewable energy source, and there is a risk of nuclear accidents, which have fatal consequences on humans and the environment

How does hydroelectric power produce energy

Rainwater collects behind a dam, when this water is release, it is used to turn a turbine which turns a generator which produces electricity

What are some disadvantages of using biofuels

When plants are burned or decay, they release carbon dioxide, in order to grow biofuels, you need to use land which reduces the land available for growing food, and if you destroy land to grow biofuels, you could've destroyed a natural habitat, and destroying land may involve burning plants growing on it, which would release carbon dioxide

What are the advantages of tidal energy sources

They do not produce greenhouse gases, they are quite reliable, as tides will always occur twice a day, and they are cheap to run, as tides are natural and free

What are the disadvantages of hydroelectric power

The dam may cause flooding and destruction of habitats, and it can cost a lot to install the required infrastructure

What are some advantages of solar panels

They don't cause harm to the environment, they are a renewable resource, and they can be used in remote areas where other types of energy are less accessible

Explain the patterns and trends in the use of energy

Demand for energy varies with the time of year and the time of day - during early evenings in a country, a lot of energy is needed for heating and lighting (in the winter) and cooking, but overnight there is very little needed while people sleep

Give examples of social factors which may act as a deterrent for certain types of energy production

Visual and sound pollution - both of these are disadvantages of wind farms