GCSE Physics · Edexcel 1PH0 · Topic 3C
Energy resources
Key points
- Non-renewable resources will run out: coal, oil, gas and nuclear fuel. Fossil fuels release carbon dioxide, which contributes to climate change.
- Renewable resources are replenished: wind, solar, hydroelectric, tidal, waves, geothermal and biofuels.
- Compare resources on reliability (wind and solar vary; fossil fuels and nuclear are on demand), cost, environmental impact and location.
- Nuclear power produces no carbon dioxide while running but makes radioactive waste that must be stored safely.
- Hydroelectric dams flood valleys; wind farms can be noisy and change the landscape; tidal barrages affect habitats.
- Energy use has shifted over time as countries reduce fossil fuel use, but fossil fuels are still widely used for transport and heating.
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Society needs energy for electricity, heating and transport, and every resource we use has advantages and drawbacks. This sub-topic asks you to compare resources and explain how and why our use of them is changing.
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