Study Notes
Energy resources can be classified into renewable and non-renewable sources, each with distinct characteristics and examples.
- Renewable Sources of Energy — Energy from a source which does not run out and can be replenished.
Example: Biofuels, wind, hydroelectric and tidal energy, geothermal energy, solar power. - Non-Renewable Sources of Energy — Energy from a source which runs out and cannot be replenished.
Example: Fossil fuels, nuclear fuel. - Chemical Energy — Energy stored in fuel that can be converted into electricity.
Example: Burning coal to generate electricity. - Water Energy — Energy stored in water, including waves, tides, and hydroelectric dams.
Example: Hydroelectric power plants. - Geothermal Resources — Heat from the Earth used to generate electricity.
Example: Geothermal power plants. - Nuclear Fission — Splitting of atomic nuclei to release energy.
Example: Nuclear power plants. - Solar Energy — Heat and light from the Sun used to generate electricity.
Example: Solar panels. - Wind Energy — Energy from wind used to generate electricity.
Example: Wind turbines.
Exam Tips
Key Definitions to Remember
- Renewable Sources of Energy
- Non-Renewable Sources of Energy
- Chemical Energy
- Water Energy
- Geothermal Resources
- Nuclear Fission
- Solar Energy
- Wind Energy
Common Confusions
- Confusing renewable with non-renewable energy sources
- Misunderstanding the reliability of solar and wind energy
Typical Exam Questions
- What are the advantages of renewable energy sources?
They do not run out and have a positive environmental impact. - Why are non-renewable energy sources used on a large scale?
They have a larger energy output per kilogram of fuel. - How is electricity generated from geothermal resources?
By using heat from the Earth to produce steam that drives turbines.
What Examiners Usually Test
- Differences between renewable and non-renewable energy sources
- Advantages and disadvantages of different energy resources
- Environmental impacts of energy generation methods