Physics - Generating electricity

Renewable Resources

A renewable resource is one that can be used repeatedly, or that can be replaced relatively quickly.

Non-renewable resources

A non-renewable resources is one that cannot be used more than once or takes a long time to replace once it has been used.

List some renewable resources

Biomass

Wood

Hydro-electric power

Wave energy

Wind power

Solar

Waste products

Geothermal

Tidal

List some nonrenewable resources

Coal

Oil

Natural gas

Nuclear

List advantages of using fossil fuels to produce electricity

It is easy to find and make

It is easy to transport through pipes

It can usually produce a lot of electricity from one location

They are cost-effective

We're used to using them

Reliable energy source

List disadvantages of using fossil fuels to produce electricity

Contributes to climate change

It is a non-renewable source

Unsustainable source of energy

Human health impacts

Name the 2 fuels used in Nuclear power plants

Uranium and Plutonium

List advantages of using Nuclear fuel to produce electricity

It does not contribute to global warming

Uranium and Plutonium are long lasting sources

It does not produce carbon dioxide

It produces a lot of electricity for each kg of fuel

List disadvantages of using Nuclear fuel to produce electricity

They produce 'nuclear waste' which is radioactive for millions of years

It takes a long time to start producing electricity

Any accident can cause radioactive material to be introduced into the environment

It costs a lot of money to decommission a nuclear power plant

List the generating methods in order from shortest start up time to longest

1. Gas-fired station

2. Oil-fired station

3. Coal-fired station

4. Nuclear power station

What are the component parts of the National Grid?

The power station, step-up and down transformers, pylons and overhead cables.

What does a step-up transformer do?

A step-up transformer increases voltage and decreases current. This is to minimise the amount of energy lost during distribution.

What does a step-down transformer do?

A step-down decreases voltage and increases current. This is to make the energy safe before it reaches homes/factories - to minimise the danger caused by high voltage.

List the advantages of placing cables above ground

Easy to repair

Relatively cheap to build

Easy to see breaks

Easy to build

Can cross any terrain

List the disadvantages of placing cables above ground

Can be an eyesore/visual pollution

List the advantages of placing cables below ground

Not seen so no visual pollution

List the disadvantages of placing overhead cables below ground

Expensive to lay down

Can be broken by accident - digging

Difficult to bury under rivers/through mountains

Difficult to spot breaks

Difficult to repair