What is a renewable resource?
A resource that can be replenished naturally over time
Examples include solar, wind, and hydroelectric energy.
Name some renewable resources.
- Solar energy
- Wind energy
- Hydroelectric energy
- Geothermal energy
- Tidal energy
These resources are sustainable and have minimal environmental impact.
What is a non-renewable resource?
A resource that cannot be replenished in a short time frame
Examples include fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas.
Name some non-renewable resources.
- Coal
- Oil
- Natural gas
These resources are finite and contribute to environmental issues.
How does wind energy generate electricity?
Wind moves through the blades and turns the turbine that turns a generator
This process converts kinetic energy into electrical energy.
List some advantages of wind energy.
- Inexpensive to build
- Short start-up time
- Produces no greenhouse gases, acid rain, or radioactive waste
Wind energy is a clean and renewable source of power.
List some disadvantages of wind energy.
- Unreliable (only works when windy)
- Many turbines needed to produce a lot of energy
- Visual or noise pollution
- May harm birds
These factors can limit the feasibility of wind energy projects.
How does hydroelectric energy generate electricity?
Water falls past the turbine, turning it and causing the generator to turn
This process converts gravitational potential energy into electrical energy.
List some advantages of hydroelectric energy.
- Short start-up time
- Can produce energy quickly if there is a surge in demand
- Produces no greenhouse gases, acid rain, or radioactive waste
Hydroelectric energy is efficient and responsive to demand.
List some disadvantages of hydroelectric energy.
- Limited locations suitable for dams
- Expensive to build
- May harm wildlife and ecosystems
Environmental impacts can be significant in certain areas.
How does tidal energy generate electricity?
Tidal water flows past the turbine, turning it and causing the generator to turn
This process converts gravitational potential energy into electrical energy.
List some advantages of tidal energy.
- Short start-up time
- Produces no greenhouse gases, acid rain, or radioactive waste
Tidal energy is predictable and environmentally friendly.
List some disadvantages of tidal energy.
- Limited locations suitable for tidal power
- Expensive to build
- May harm wildlife and ecosystems
The geographical constraints can limit its implementation.
How does wave energy generate electricity?
Water moves into the chamber, pushing air past the turbine, which turns the generator
This process converts kinetic energy into electrical energy.
List some advantages of wave energy.
- Short start-up time
- No land needed
- Produces no greenhouse gases, acid rain, or radioactive waste
Wave energy is a clean source of power with minimal land use.
List some disadvantages of wave energy.
- Unreliable (only works in suitable wave conditions)
- Many needed to generate enough energy
- Prone to storm damage
- Danger to shipping
These factors can complicate the deployment of wave energy systems.
How does solar energy generate electricity?
Infra-red radiation from the Sun is absorbed by solar cells
This process converts nuclear energy into electrical energy.
List some advantages of solar energy.
- Instant start-up time
- Produces no greenhouse gases, acid rain, or radioactive waste
Solar energy is a clean and renewable resource.
List some disadvantages of solar energy.
- Unreliable (only works when sunny)
- Only approximately 10% of energy is transferred usefully
- Many needed to generate enough energy (takes up a lot of land space)
These limitations can affect the efficiency and practicality of solar energy.
How does geothermal energy generate electricity?
Cold water is pumped onto hot rocks below the Earth’s surface, creating steam that turns a turbine
This process converts thermal energy into electrical energy.
List some advantages of geothermal energy.
- Short start-up time
- Produces no greenhouse gases, acid rain, or radioactive waste
Geothermal energy is a sustainable and clean energy source.
List some disadvantages of geothermal energy.
- Very few suitable locations (volcanic areas like Iceland are ideal)
- Expensive to build
The geographical and financial constraints can limit its development.
