GCSE physics using energy

What is a renewable energy resource?

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

Give 4 examples of renewable energy sources

wind, hydroelectricity, tidal, solar

give an example of a non-renewable energy resource

fossil fuels (e.g. coal, oil, gas)

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

flexible generation: gas power stations have short start-up times so can be switched on/off more readily

lower emissions of carbon dioxide

State two disadvantages of using renewable energy resources to generate power

output often determined by external factors like wind speed, so supply uncertain

renewable fuels often produce less energy per kg so are less economical

explain the environmental impacts of burning fossil fuels

carbon dioxide contributes to greenhouse effect and causes global warming

sulphur dioxide leads to acid rain, which can damage buildings and crops

state 3 advantages of fossil fuels as an energy resource

reliable as not dependent on external factors so can generate power any time

produce large amounts of energy per kg

still relatively abundant so cost-effective

state 3 advantages of nuclear power

very large amounts of energy per kg of fuel

no greenhouse gases released so doesn’t contribute to climate change

low fuel costs

state 3 disadvantages of nuclear power

produces nuclear waste, harmful to humans and must be safely stored for centuries

non-renewable

risk of nuclear accidents- have fatal consequences on humans and environment

give examples of social factors to consider in energy production

visual pollution and sound pollution

how does hydroelectric power produce energy

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

what are some disadvantages of using biofuels?

when plants are burned/decay they release CO2

in order to grow biofuels, need to destroy land- habitat destruction, CO2 released when plants cleared e.g. if they’re burned

growing biofuels reduces land available for food crops

what are the advantages of tidal energy sources?

no greenhouse gases, fairly reliable as tides occur twice a day, cheap to run as tides are natural so are free

what are the disadvantages of hydroelectric power?

dam may cause flooding, can cost a lot to install required infrastructure

what are some advantages of solar panels?

don’t cause harm to environment, renewable, can be used in remote areas where other types of energy less accessible