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1.7.3Motion, Forces and Energy

Energy Resources — Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 Revision Notes & Topical Questions

5 min read 10 parts Lesson 71 of 91 1 quiz

📚 Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 Hub / Topical Revision
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Lesson summary

1.7.3 Energy Resources — IGCSE PHYSICS notes: Describe how useful energy is obtained from the main energy resources and compare them.Chemical energy in coal, oil, gas and biofuels is released by burning.The thermal energy boils water to make steam, which drives a turbine connecte…

  • Nuclear fuel
  • Geothermal
  • Non-renewable
  • Exceptions
  • Reliability
  • Environmental impact

Part 1 of 8Fossil fuels and biofuels

1
Chemical energy in coal, oil, gas and biofuels is released by burning.
2
The thermal energy boils water to make steam, which drives a turbine connected to a generator.
3
Fossil fuels are formed over millions of years from dead plants and animals.
4
Burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide, which adds to global warming.

Part 2 of 8Steps in a thermal power station

1
Fuel is burned (or undergoes fission), releasing thermal energy.
2
The thermal energy boils water in a boiler to produce high-pressure steam.
3
The steam turns a turbine (kinetic energy).
4
The turbine drives a generator, producing electricity.
5
Steam is condensed and the water is returned to the boiler.

Part 3 of 8Nuclear, water and geothermal

Nuclear fuel
  • Nuclear fuel fission of uranium releases energy that heats water to make steam for turbines.
Water
  • Water waves, tides and hydroelectric dams use kinetic or gravitational potential energy of water to drive turbines.
Geothermal
  • Geothermal hot rocks heat water to steam to drive turbines.

Part 4 of 8Wind and solar

Wind and solar
Wind turbines use the kinetic energy of moving air.
Solar cells convert light directly to electricity.
Solar panels heat water.

Part 5 of 8Renewable and non-renewable resources

Renewable
  • Renewable wind, solar, waves, tides, hydroelectric, geothermal and biofuels are not used up.
Non-renewable
  • Non-renewable fossil fuels and nuclear fuel will run out.
The Sun is the source of most resources: fossil fuels, biofuels, wind, waves, hydroelectric and solar.
Exceptions
  • Exceptions geothermal, nuclear and tidal energy, with tides coming mainly from the Moon's gravity.
The Sun releases energy by nuclear fusion, in which hydrogen nuclei join to form helium (Extended).

Part 6 of 8Comparing resources

ResourceRenewable?How it makes electricityAdvantageDisadvantage
Coal, oil, gasNoBurned, steam, turbineReliable at any timeWill run out; CO₂ and acid rain
SolarYesSolar cells convert lightNo fuel cost or emissionsNo power at night
WindYesWind turns a turbineFree and cleanNeeds wind; noisy; spoils the view
HydroelectricYesFalling water turns a turbineReliable, quick startDams flood valleys
GeothermalYesHot rocks heat water to steamConstant supplyOnly in some places
BiofuelsYesBurning plant or animal wasteUses waste, regrowsNeeds land; some CO₂
NuclearNoFission heats water to steamLarge energy, no CO₂Radioactive waste

Part 7 of 8Factors for comparison

Renewability and availability of the resource.
Reliability
  • Reliability wind and solar vary but tides are predictable.
Scale of power output.
Cost of building and running.
Environmental impact
  • Environmental impact carbon dioxide, pollution, radioactive waste and habitat loss.
Efficiency (Extended)
(useful energy output ÷ total energy input) × 100%.

Part 8 of 8More from the specification

1Atmospheric absorption of solar rays on Earth
  • Atmospheric absorption of solar rays on Earth stratospheric ozone absorbs incoming high-energy ultraviolet radiation, protecting biological organisms inhabiting the surface of planet Earth.
2Energy store
  • Where energy is held, such as kinetic or chemical.
3Energy stored
  • W = ½QV = ½CV²
    What the symbols mean: W or E = energy stored (J) · Q = charge (C) · V = p.d. (V) · C = capacitance (F)
4Energy transferred
  • W = V Q, in joules.
    What the symbols mean: E or W = energy transferred (J) · Q = charge (C) · V = potential difference (V) · I = current (A) · t = time (s)

Key terms

TermMeaning
RenewableAn energy resource that will not run out.
Non-renewableA resource that will run out because it is not replaced.
Fossil fuelFuel formed over millions of years from dead plants and animals.
GeneratorDevice that turns kinetic energy into electrical energy.
TurbineDevice turned by steam or a moving fluid to drive a generator.
Global warmingRise in the average temperature of the Earth.

Avoid these mistakes

1
Saying all renewable resources come from the Sun — geothermal and tidal do not.
2
Saying wind and solar are reliable at all times — their output varies.
3
Forgetting the turbine and generator in thermal power stations.
4
Saying nuclear fuel is renewable — it will run out.

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