Energy resources and evidence-based choices

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Apuntes de la lección

Big idea: energy resources and evidence-based choices

Key concept: Systems. Resources differ in availability, power output, reliability and environmental effects. Renewable means replenished on a human timescale, not impact-free.
Related concepts: Models and evidence. Use a scientific explanation to make predictions, then test it against observations.
Global context: Scientific and technical innovation. Energy planning combines supply requirements with environmental and economic evidence.

Energy from the Sun

The Sun transfers energy to Earth by electromagnetic radiation (mostly visible light and infrared).
Most energy resources on Earth come indirectly from the Sun: wind, waves, rain (hydroelectric), and plant growth (biofuels and fossil fuels).
Resources not from the Sun: geothermal (Earth's core heat), nuclear (elements in Earth's crust), tidal (mainly Moon's gravity).
Solar cells (photovoltaic) convert sunlight directly into electricity using semiconducting materials.
Solar panels use sunlight to heat water for domestic use; solar furnaces focus sunlight to boil water for steam turbines.
Advantages of solar: renewable, no pollution, reliable in sunny regions, can be used in remote areas, low running costs.
Disadvantages: low energy density (large area needed), intermittent, expensive to install, low efficiency (20–40%).

Solar panels use energy from sunlight to heat water

Wind Energy

Wind turns turbines → generator → electricity; energy transfers: kinetic (wind) → kinetic (turbine) → kinetic (generator) → electrical.
Advantages: renewable, no pollution, relatively cheap, high efficiency (~50%), land can still be used for farming.
Disadvantages: unreliable (wind not constant), visual pollution, each turbine produces little power, needs high-voltage lines.

Wind turbines use energy from the wind to generate electricity

Energy from Fuels: Fossil Fuels

Fossil fuels: coal, natural gas (methane), crude oil (refined into petrol, diesel). Formed from remains of plants/animals; chemical energy originally from sunlight via photosynthesis.
Advantages: reliable, responsive (can be turned on/off), well-established infrastructure, safe to store.
Disadvantages: non-renewable (millions of years to form, predicted to run out in ~200 years), burning releases CO₂ (greenhouse gas) and SO₂ (acid rain), extraction damages environment, expensive to build/decommission.
Uses: transport, electricity generation (burned to heat water → steam → turbine → generator), heating.

Electricity generation in a coal-fired power station

Energy from Fuels: Biofuels

Biofuels (ethanol, methane) made from plant matter; energy from sunlight stored chemically.
Advantages: renewable, considered carbon neutral (plants absorb CO₂ during growth), no SO₂ produced.
Disadvantages: requires land and resources for crops, only half the energy density of fossil fuels, controversial carbon neutrality (land could have been used for food).

Energy from Fuels: Nuclear Fuel

Nuclear fission splits large nuclei (e.g., uranium) into smaller ones, releasing energy; used to heat water → steam → turbine → generator.
Advantages: no atmospheric pollution, reliable, responsive, massive power output (twice that of fossil fuel plant), high energy density.
Disadvantages: non-renewable (finite uranium), produces radioactive waste (stored for thousands of years), expensive to build and decommission, risk of accidents.

Energy from Water

Wave power: underwater turbines turned by wave motion; tidal power: tidal barrages store water at height, released through turbines.
Advantages: renewable, no pollution, no fuel costs, tidal is reliable and predictable, high efficiency (~80%), responsive.
Disadvantages: few suitable locations (estuaries), interferes with shipping and habitats, technology not yet large-scale, wave power unreliable.
Hydroelectric dams: water stored in reservoir has gravitational potential energy; flowing water turns turbines.
Advantages: reliable, responsive, cheap to run, large electricity output, renewable.
Disadvantages: flooding valleys destroys habitats and settlements, expensive to build, drought can affect supply.

Geothermal Energy

Heat from Earth's core heats rocks; water injected into shafts is heated and returned as steam/hot water to generate electricity or heat homes.
Advantages: renewable, reliable (rocks hot for thousands of years).
Disadvantages: few suitable locations (tectonic activity), can release methane (greenhouse gas), expensive to build, small scale, low efficiency (~12%).

Nuclear Fusion

Nuclear fusion fuses hydrogen nuclei into helium, releasing massive energy (powers the Sun).
Requires extremely high temperatures and pressures; currently research aims to sustain fusion at lower temperatures.
Potential: virtually limitless, carbon-free electricity; but currently reactions require nearly as much energy as they release.

Think like a scientist

Compare published generation datasets for different energy resources using the same reporting period and system boundaries.
Comparison: the energy resource being assessed. Outcome: energy output and lifecycle impacts.
Control: use consistent units and comparison boundaries. Explain why this makes the comparison fairer.
Evidence: Use a consistent method, repeated observations where appropriate and a table with labelled quantities and units. Keep unexpected results and investigate their cause.
Safety: Practical activities need teacher supervision and an appropriate risk assessment. Use the provided data or simulation where the investigation specifies it.
Inquiry task: State a testable question, predict the outcome using the science, then explain how your observations would support or challenge the prediction.

Evaluate the science

Energy planning combines supply requirements with environmental and economic evidence.
A single metric cannot decide every energy choice; reliability, storage, land use, cost and lifecycle emissions also matter.
Evaluation task: Link your conclusion to evidence, identify a limitation and suggest a specific improvement. Distinguish a measured result from an explanation of its cause.

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Preguntas de práctica

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1.Which energy resource does not use the Sun as the source of its energy?
Easy
- AHydroelectric
- BWind
- CNuclear
- DCoal
2.Which energy resource involves splitting heavy nuclei?
Easy
- ANuclear fission
- BGeothermal
- CBiomass
- DNuclear fusion
3.Which energy resource does not release greenhouse gases?
Easy
- AOil
- BHydro-electric power
- CBiofuel
- DCoal
4.Which disadvantage does not apply to geothermal energy?
Medium
- AExpensive to build
- BFew suitable locations
- CCan result in the release of greenhouse gases
- DNot reliable
5.Which energy source relies on radiation from the Sun?
Easy
- AFossil fuels
- BNuclear fission
- CTidal power
- DGeothermal energy
6.Which source of energy is renewable?
Easy
- Acoal
- Bnatural gas
- Coil
- Dwind
7.Which energy resource does not originate from the Sun's radiation?
Easy
- Atidal power
- Bwind power
- Cwave power
- Dhydroelectric power
8.Listed below are some energy resources. W wind powering a turbine X water falling through a hydroelectric turbine Y alcohol made from crops which have been grown for burning in a biomass generator Z uranium for nuclear fission reactors Which of the resources are renewable?
Medium
- AW, X and Z
- BW and X
- CW, X and Y
- DW, X, Y and Z

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9.Which statement best describes nuclear fuel as an energy source?
Medium
- AReliable & renewable
- BReliable, non-renewable and available for large scale production
- CUnreliable, non-renewable and available for large scale production
- DUnreliable, renewable & not available for large scale production
10.Which statement best describes the differences between solar cells and solar panels?
Medium
- ASolar cells use energy from the sun to heat water and solar panels use energy from the sun to generate electricity
- BSolar panels use energy from the sun to heat water and solar cells use energy from the sun to generate electricity
- CSolar cells use the kinetic energy of wind to produce electrical power and solar panels use energy from the sun to heat water
- DSolar panels use energy from the sun to produce electrical power and solar cells store the excess energy
11.What feature do geothermal, hydroelectric and nuclear energy sources share?
Medium
- ARenewable
- BCan generate large-scale energy
- CCause rotation in a generator
- DUse steam to turn a turbine
12.Which statement about nuclear fuel is correct?
Medium
- ANuclear waste must be stored for decades
- BNuclear fusion uses steam to turn a turbine which rotates a generator on a large scale
- CNuclear fission provides approximately 70% of the UK's energy
- DNuclear waste must be stored for thousands of years
13.A hydroelectric power station has a reservoir of water at a height of 50 m above the turbines. The water flows down and turns the turbines. Which energy transfer takes place as the water falls?
Easy
- Achemical to kinetic
- Bgravitational potential to kinetic
- Cnuclear to thermal
- Dkinetic to electrical
14.The efficiency of a solar cell is 20%. If 500 J of solar energy fall on the cell, how much electrical energy is produced?
Medium
- A100 J
- B400 J
- C500 J
- D2500 J
15.A solar cell and a wind turbine's energy output vary over 24 hours. The solar cell produces no energy between 18:00 and 06:00. The wind turbine produces a steady output of 2 kW from 00:00 to 12:00, then drops to 0.5 kW from 12:00 to 24:00. What is the total energy generated by the wind turbine in 24 hours?
Hard
- A30 kWh
- B60 kWh
- C48 kWh
- D24 kWh
16.Which energy resource uses the kinetic energy of moving air to generate electricity?
Easy
- Asolar power
- Bwind power
- Ctidal power
- Dgeothermal power
17.
A student investigates the efficiency of a model wind turbine. The turbine is placed in a wind tunnel. The electrical power output is measured for different wind speeds. The results are shown in the table.
Wind speed (m/s) Power output (W)
2.0 0.5
4.0 4.0
6.0 13.5
8.0 32.0
Which conclusion is supported by the data?
Hard
- APower output is proportional to wind speed.
- BPower output is proportional to the square of wind speed.
- CPower output is proportional to the cube of wind speed.
- DPower output is inversely proportional to wind speed.
18.Which of the following is an advantage of using nuclear fission to generate electricity?
Medium
- AIt produces no radioactive waste.
- BIt uses a renewable fuel.
- CIt releases no greenhouse gases during operation.
- DIt can be built in any location.
19.A tidal barrage generates electricity by allowing water to flow through turbines as the tide goes out. Which statement about tidal power is correct?
Medium
- AIt is a non-renewable energy resource.
- BIt relies on the gravitational pull of the Moon.
- CIt produces atmospheric pollution.
- DIt is unreliable because tides are unpredictable.
20.A solar panel is used to heat water. Which statement explains how a solar panel works?
Medium
- AIt uses sunlight to generate electricity, which then heats the water.
- BIt absorbs infrared radiation from the Sun and transfers energy to the water.
- CIt reflects sunlight onto the water to heat it directly.
- DIt uses the kinetic energy of wind to pump water through a heater.
21.A student sets up a circuit to investigate how the power output of a solar cell depends on the angle of sunlight. The solar cell is connected to a variable resistor and an ammeter. The voltage across the cell is measured with a voltmeter. The angle of the light is changed and the current and voltage are recorded. Which row shows the correct units for the quantities measured?
Easy
- ACurrent in amperes, voltage in volts, power in watts
- BCurrent in volts, voltage in amperes, power in joules
- CCurrent in amperes, voltage in watts, power in volts
- DCurrent in watts, voltage in volts, power in amperes
22.Which energy resource is formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals?
Easy
- Anuclear fuel
- Bfossil fuels
- Cgeothermal energy
- Dsolar energy
23.A country has a coastline with strong tides and high rainfall. It also has volcanic regions with hot rocks underground. Which combination of energy resources would be most suitable for this country?
Medium
- Atidal power and geothermal energy
- Bsolar power and wind power
- Chydroelectric power and nuclear power
- Dwave power and fossil fuels
24.A student investigates the efficiency of a solar cell by measuring the electrical power output for different angles of sunlight. The solar cell is connected to a variable resistor and an ammeter. Which additional piece of equipment is needed to determine the electrical power output?
Medium
- AA voltmeter connected in parallel with the solar cell
- BA voltmeter connected in series with the solar cell
- CA light meter to measure the intensity of sunlight
- DA thermometer to measure the temperature of the solar cell
25.In a hydroelectric power station, water falls from a height of 50 m through a pipe to a turbine. The mass flow rate of water is 2000 kg/s. The gravitational field strength is 10 N/kg. Assuming no energy losses, what is the power output of the turbine?
Medium
- A1,000,000 W
- B100,000 W
- C10,000 W
- D1,000 W
26.A student sets up a model wind turbine in a wind tunnel and measures the electrical power output for different wind speeds. Which graph best represents the relationship between power output and wind speed?
Medium
- AA curve that increases steeply as wind speed increases
- BA straight line through the origin
- CA horizontal line
- DA curve that increases then levels off
27.Which of the following energy resources relies on the gravitational pull of the Moon?
Easy
- ATidal power
- BWave power
- CHydroelectric power
- DWind power
28.A solar panel is used to heat water. Which statement best describes the energy transfer that occurs?
Easy
- ASolar energy is transferred to the thermal energy store of the water by radiation
- BSolar energy is transferred to the thermal energy store of the water by convection
- CSolar energy is transferred to the kinetic energy store of the water by conduction
- DSolar energy is transferred to the chemical energy store of the water by radiation
29.Which of the following is a renewable energy resource?
Easy
- ANatural gas
- BUranium
- COil
- DBiomass
30.A student investigates how the angle of sunlight affects the power output of a solar cell. The solar cell is placed at different angles to the light source, and the current and voltage are measured. Which variable should be kept constant to ensure a fair test?
Medium
- AThe distance between the light source and the solar cell
- BThe angle of the solar cell
- CThe current through the solar cell
- DThe voltage across the solar cell
31.Complete the sentence:
Easy
Fossil fuels are formed from the remains of ancient ____ and ____.
32.State one disadvantage of using hydroelectric power.
Easy
33.A geothermal power station extracts 50 MW of thermal energy from hot rocks. Its efficiency is 12%. Calculate the electrical power output in MW.
Medium
34.A solar cell has an efficiency of 25%. If 800 J of solar energy falls on the cell, how much electrical energy is produced?
Easy
35.A solar cell and a wind turbine's energy output vary over 24 hours. The solar cell produces no energy between 18:00 and 06:00. The wind turbine produces energy at all times but varies. Which statement is correct?
Medium
- AThe wind turbine is more reliable than the solar cell over 24 hours
- BThe solar cell is more reliable than the wind turbine over 24 hours
- CBoth are equally reliable
- DNeither is reliable at any time
36.Which of the following is a disadvantage of using nuclear fission to generate electricity?
Easy
- AIt produces radioactive waste that must be stored for thousands of years
- BIt releases large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere
- CIt is an unreliable energy source
- DIt is a renewable energy source
37.Which of the following is a non-renewable energy resource?
Easy
- ASolar
- BWind
- CNatural gas
- DHydroelectric
38.Which of the following energy sources produce no atmospheric pollution?
Medium
- ANuclear fuel, wave power, and solar cells
- BFossil fuels, biofuels, and nuclear fuel
- CBiofuel, nuclear fuel, and wave power
- DWave power, solar cells, and geothermal power
39.A student sets up a circuit to investigate how the power output of a solar cell depends on the angle of sunlight. The solar cell is connected to a variable resistor and an ammeter. Which change would increase the power output of the solar cell?
Medium
- ADecreasing the resistance of the variable resistor
- BIncreasing the angle of incidence of sunlight (making it more oblique)
- CPlacing the solar cell in a shaded area
- DUsing a longer connecting wire
40.Geothermal energy comes from the heat produced in the Earth's core.
Easy
True or false?
41.Compare published generation datasets for different energy resources using the same reporting period and system boundaries. What is the independent variable?
Easy
- Aenergy output and lifecycle impacts
- Bthe number of repeated trials
- Cthe scientific explanation written afterwards
- Dthe energy resource being assessed
42.Compare published generation datasets for different energy resources using the same reporting period and system boundaries. Which observation or quantity is the dependent variable?
Easy
- Aenergy output and lifecycle impacts
- Bthe energy resource being assessed
- Cthe title given to the investigation
- Dthe number of references in the report
43.Compare published generation datasets for different energy resources using the same reporting period and system boundaries. Which decision best controls another factor in this comparison?
Medium
- Achange every condition for each trial
- Buse consistent units and comparison boundaries
- Cuse a different measurement method for every result
- Drecord only results that agree with the prediction
44.Compare published generation datasets for different energy resources using the same reporting period and system boundaries. Why should the class repeat measurements or check multiple comparable observations?
Medium
- ATo guarantee that every systematic error disappears
- BTo make an unsupported prediction become correct
- CTo assess variation and judge how consistent the evidence is
- DTo avoid reporting results that disagree with a model
45.A class is evaluating an application of energy resources and evidence-based choices. Which statement identifies a relevant limitation?
Hard
- AAll scientific models reproduce every feature of the real world
- BOne favourable result proves that a technology has no disadvantages
- CA conclusion needs no evidence when a scientific term is used
- DA single metric cannot decide every energy choice; reliability, storage, land use, cost and lifecycle emissions also matter.
46.Compare published generation datasets for different energy resources using the same reporting period and system boundaries. Which conclusion is most justified by a controlled comparison?
Hard
- AA conclusion restricted to the tested conditions, with uncertainty and limitations stated
- BA claim that the result must hold in all possible conditions
- CA claim that alternative explanations never need testing
- DA claim based only on the most convenient observation
47.Compare published generation datasets for different energy resources using the same reporting period and system boundaries. Select the two practices that strengthen the validity of this comparison.
Medium
- Ause consistent units and comparison boundaries
- Bchange the measurement method whenever a result is unexpected
- Crecord energy output and lifecycle impacts using the same agreed procedure
- Dreport only observations that confirm the prediction
48.When evaluating evidence about energy resources and evidence-based choices, select the two scientifically defensible statements.
Hard
- AOne result proves the explanation in every situation
- BA single metric cannot decide every energy choice; reliability, storage, land use, cost and lifecycle emissions also matter.
- CA conclusion should state the conditions and uncertainty of the evidence
- DModels never need revision when new evidence appears
49.Design a fair investigation for this question: Compare published generation datasets for different energy resources using the same reporting period and system boundaries. Identify what to compare, what to record and one control.
Medium
50.Explain one use of the science in energy resources and evidence-based choices and evaluate one limitation of the evidence or application.
Hard
51.A device receives 500 J and transfers 150 J usefully. What is its efficiency?
Hard
- A70%
- B30%
- C333%
- D0.30%
52.Two electricity sources are compared using operational emissions only. What limitation matters for a lifecycle claim?
Hard
- AOperational data automatically include every lifecycle stage
- BRenewable sources have no materials or land-use impacts
- CManufacture, construction, fuel supply and disposal may fall outside the comparison
- DOnly the colour of the power station matters

Apuntes de repaso

## Big idea: energy resources and evidence-based choices - **Key concept: Systems.** Resources differ in availability, power output, reliability and environmental effects. Renewable means replenished on a human timescale, not impact-free. - **Related concepts: Models and evidence.** Use a scientific explanation to make predictions, then test it against observations. - **Global context: Scientific and technical innovation.** Energy planning combines supply requirements with environmental and economic evidence. ## Energy from the Sun - The Sun transfers energy to Earth by **electromagnetic radiation** (mostly visible light and infrared). - Most energy resources on Earth come indirectly from the Sun: wind, waves, rain (hydroelectric), and plant growth (biofuels and fossil fuels). - Resources **not** from the Sun: **geothermal** (Earth's core heat), **nuclear** (elements in Earth's crust), **tidal** (mainly Moon's gravity). - **Solar cells** (photovoltaic) convert sunlight directly into electricity using semiconducting materials. - **Solar panels** use sunlight to heat water for domestic use; **solar furnaces** focus sunlight to boil water for steam turbines. - Advantages of solar: renewable, no pollution, reliable in sunny regions, can be used in remote areas, low running costs. - Disadvantages: low energy density (large area needed), intermittent, expensive to install, low efficiency (20–40%). ## Wind Energy - Wind turns **turbines** → **generator** → electricity; energy transfers: kinetic (wind) → kinetic (turbine) → kinetic (generator) → electrical. - Advantages: renewable, no pollution, relatively cheap, high efficiency (~50%), land can still be used for farming. - Disadvantages: unreliable (wind not constant), visual pollution, each turbine produces little power, needs high-voltage lines. ## Energy from Fuels: Fossil Fuels - Fossil fuels: **coal**, **natural gas** (methane), **crude oil** (refined into petrol, diesel). Formed from remains of plants/animals; chemical energy originally from sunlight via photosynthesis. - Advantages: reliable, responsive (can be turned on/off), well-established infrastructure, safe to store. - Disadvantages: **non-renewable** (millions of years to form, predicted to run out in ~200 years), burning releases **CO₂** (greenhouse gas) and **SO₂** (acid rain), extraction damages environment, expensive to build/decommission. - Uses: transport, electricity generation (burned to heat water → steam → turbine → generator), heating. ## Energy from Fuels: Biofuels - Biofuels (ethanol, methane) made from plant matter; energy from sunlight stored chemically. - Advantages: **renewable**, considered **carbon neutral** (plants absorb CO₂ during growth), no SO₂ produced. - Disadvantages: requires land and resources for crops, only half the energy density of fossil fuels, controversial carbon neutrality (land could have been used for food). ## Energy from Fuels: Nuclear Fuel - **Nuclear fission** splits large nuclei (e.g., uranium) into smaller ones, releasing energy; used to heat water → steam → turbine → generator. - Advantages: no atmospheric pollution, reliable, responsive, massive power output (twice that of fossil fuel plant), high energy density. - Disadvantages: **non-renewable** (finite uranium), produces **radioactive waste** (stored for thousands of years), expensive to build and decommission, risk of accidents. ## Energy from Water - **Wave power**: underwater turbines turned by wave motion; **tidal power**: tidal barrages store water at height, released through turbines. - Advantages: renewable, no pollution, no fuel costs, tidal is reliable and predictable, high efficiency (~80%), responsive. - Disadvantages: few suitable locations (estuaries), interferes with shipping and habitats, technology not yet large-scale, wave power unreliable. - **Hydroelectric dams**: water stored in reservoir has gravitational potential energy; flowing water turns turbines. - Advantages: reliable, responsive, cheap to run, large electricity output, renewable. - Disadvantages: flooding valleys destroys habitats and settlements, expensive to build, drought can affect supply. ## Geothermal Energy - Heat from Earth's core heats rocks; water injected into shafts is heated and returned as steam/hot water to generate electricity or heat homes. - Advantages: **renewable**, reliable (rocks hot for thousands of years). - Disadvantages: few suitable locations (tectonic activity), can release methane (greenhouse gas), expensive to build, small scale, low efficiency (~12%). ## Nuclear Fusion - **Nuclear fusion** fuses hydrogen nuclei into helium, releasing massive energy (powers the Sun). - Requires extremely high temperatures and pressures; currently research aims to sustain fusion at lower temperatures. - Potential: virtually limitless, carbon-free electricity; but currently reactions require nearly as much energy as they release. ## Think like a scientist - Compare published generation datasets for different energy resources using the same reporting period and system boundaries. - **Comparison:** the energy resource being assessed. **Outcome:** energy output and lifecycle impacts. - **Control:** use consistent units and comparison boundaries. Explain why this makes the comparison fairer. - **Evidence:** Use a consistent method, repeated observations where appropriate and a table with labelled quantities and units. Keep unexpected results and investigate their cause. - **Safety:** Practical activities need teacher supervision and an appropriate risk assessment. Use the provided data or simulation where the investigation specifies it. - **Inquiry task:** State a testable question, predict the outcome using the science, then explain how your observations would support or challenge the prediction. ## Evaluate the science - Energy planning combines supply requirements with environmental and economic evidence. - A single metric cannot decide every energy choice; reliability, storage, land use, cost and lifecycle emissions also matter. - **Evaluation task:** Link your conclusion to evidence, identify a limitation and suggest a specific improvement. Distinguish a measured result from an explanation of its cause.

Wind Energy: Wind turns **turbines** → **generator** → electricity; energy transfers: kinetic (wind) → kinetic (turbine) → kinetic (generator) → electrical.
Water Energy: Describe how wave, tidal, and hydroelectric power generate electricity, and evaluate their advantages and disadvantages.
Nuclear Fission: Describe nuclear fission as an energy source, and evaluate its advantages and disadvantages.
Biofuels: Describe the production and use of biofuels, and evaluate their advantages and disadvantages including carbon neutrality.
Nuclear Fusion: **Nuclear fusion** fuses hydrogen nuclei into helium, releasing massive energy (powers the Sun).
Geothermal Energy: Heat from Earth's core heats rocks; water injected into shafts is heated and returned as steam/hot water to generate electricity or heat homes.
Solar Energy: Describe how solar energy is harnessed using solar cells and solar panels, and evaluate their advantages and disadvantages.
Fossil Fuels: Describe the formation, uses, and environmental impact of fossil fuels, and evaluate their advantages and disadvantages.
Designing scientific inquiries: Plan a fair comparison: Compare published generation datasets for different energy resources using the same reporting period and system boundaries.
Evaluating evidence and impacts: Energy planning combines supply requirements with environmental and economic evidence. A single metric cannot decide every energy choice; reliability, storage, land use, cost and lifecycle emissions also matter.
Energy from the Sun: The Sun transfers energy to Earth by **electromagnetic radiation** (mostly visible light and infrared).
Energy from Fuels: Fossil Fuels: Fossil fuels: **coal**, **natural gas** (methane), **crude oil** (refined into petrol, diesel). Formed from remains of plants/animals; chemical energy originally from sunlight via photosynthesis.
Energy from Fuels: Biofuels: Biofuels (ethanol, methane) made from plant matter; energy from sunlight stored chemically.
Energy from Fuels: Nuclear Fuel: **Nuclear fission** splits large nuclei (e.g., uranium) into smaller ones, releasing energy; used to heat water → steam → turbine → generator.
Energy from Water: **Wave power**: underwater turbines turned by wave motion; **tidal power**: tidal barrages store water at height, released through turbines.
electromagnetic radiation: The Sun transfers energy to Earth by **electromagnetic radiation** (mostly visible light and infrared).

Tarjetas

Which energy resource does not use the Sun as the source of its energy?

Nuclear Nuclear energy comes from nuclear fission of elements in the Earth's crust, not from the Sun. Hydroelectric, wind, and coal all ultimately derive from solar energy.

Which energy resource involves splitting heavy nuclei?

Nuclear fission Nuclear fission is the splitting of a heavy nucleus into two smaller nuclei, releasing energy. Nuclear fusion is the joining of small nuclei.

Which energy resource does not release greenhouse gases?

Hydro-electric power Hydro-electric power uses moving water to generate electricity and does not burn fuel, so no greenhouse gases are released. Oil, biofuel, and coal all release CO₂ when burned.

Which disadvantage does not apply to geothermal energy?

Not reliable Geothermal energy is reliable because the rocks remain hot for thousands of years. The other options are disadvantages: expensive to build, few suitable locations, and can release methane (a greenhouse gas).

Which energy source relies on radiation from the Sun?

Fossil fuels Fossil fuels store energy originally from sunlight via photosynthesis. Nuclear fission, tidal power, and geothermal energy do not originate from the Sun's radiation.

Which source of energy is renewable?

wind Wind is renewable because it is replenished naturally. Coal, natural gas, and oil are non-renewable fossil fuels.

Which energy resource does not originate from the Sun's radiation?

tidal power Tidal power comes mainly from the gravitational attraction of the Moon, not the Sun. Wind, wave, and hydroelectric power all derive from solar energy.

Listed below are some energy resources. W wind powering a turbine X water falling through a hydroelectric turbine Y alcohol made from crops which have been grown for burning in a biomass generator Z uranium for nuclear fission reactors Which of the resources are renewable?

W, X and Y Wind (W), hydroelectric (X), and biomass (Y) are renewable. Uranium (Z) is non-renewable because it is a finite resource.

Which statement best describes nuclear fuel as an energy source?

Reliable, non-renewable and available for large scale production Nuclear fuel is reliable (can produce power consistently), non-renewable (finite uranium), and suitable for large-scale electricity generation.

Which statement best describes the differences between solar cells and solar panels?

Solar panels use energy from the sun to heat water and solar cells use energy from the sun to generate electricity Solar panels (thermal) heat water; solar cells (photovoltaic) generate electricity directly from sunlight.

What feature do geothermal, hydroelectric and nuclear energy sources share?

Cause rotation in a generator All three involve rotating a generator to produce electricity. Geothermal and nuclear use steam; hydroelectric uses flowing water directly.

Which statement about nuclear fuel is correct?

Nuclear waste must be stored for thousands of years Radioactive waste from nuclear fission must be stored safely for thousands of years. Nuclear fusion is not yet used for large-scale generation; fission does not provide 70% of UK energy.

A hydroelectric power station has a reservoir of water at a height of 50 m above the turbines. The water flows down and turns the turbines. Which energy transfer takes place as the water falls?

gravitational potential to kinetic Water stored at a height has gravitational potential energy. As it falls, this is converted to kinetic energy. The moving water then turns the turbine.

The efficiency of a solar cell is 20%. If 500 J of solar energy fall on the cell, how much electrical energy is produced?

100 J Efficiency = useful output energy / total input energy × 100%. So useful output = (20/100) × 500 J = 100 J.

A solar cell and a wind turbine's energy output vary over 24 hours. The solar cell produces no energy between 18:00 and 06:00. The wind turbine produces a steady output of 2 kW from 00:00 to 12:00, then drops to 0.5 kW from 12:00 to 24:00. What is the total energy generated by the wind turbine in 24 hours?

30 kWh Energy = power × time. From 00:00 to 12:00 (12 h) at 2 kW: 2 × 12 = 24 kWh. From 12:00 to 24:00 (12 h) at 0.5 kW: 0.5 × 12 = 6 kWh. Total = 24 + 6 = 30 kWh.

Which energy resource uses the kinetic energy of moving air to generate electricity?

wind power Wind turbines convert the kinetic energy of moving air (wind) into electrical energy.

How would you design the inquiry for energy resources and evidence-based choices?

Compare published generation datasets for different energy resources using the same reporting period and system boundaries. Compare the energy resource being assessed; record energy output and lifecycle impacts; use consistent units and comparison boundaries.

What limitation matters when applying energy resources and evidence-based choices?

A single metric cannot decide every energy choice; reliability, storage, land use, cost and lifecycle emissions also matter.

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Wind speed (m/s)	Power output (W)
2.0	0.5
4.0	4.0
6.0	13.5
8.0	32.0