Physics · Both
Energy Resources
Renewable and non-renewable energy resources, advantages and disadvantages, and environmental impact.
Societies need reliable energy. You must compare renewable and non-renewable resources and their effects on the environment.
Non-renewable
• **Fossil fuels** – coal, oil, gas: high energy density, reliable, but finite and produce CO₂ (climate change) and other pollutants
• **Nuclear** – high output, low carbon in use, but radioactive waste and high costs / decommissioning
Renewable
• **Solar** – panels; good in sunny regions; intermittent
• **Wind** – turbines; no fuel cost; weather-dependent; visual/noise concerns
• **Hydroelectric** – dams; reliable once built; habitat impact
• **Tidal / wave** – predictable (tidal); early-stage technology in places
• **Geothermal** – heat from Earth; location-limited
• **Biofuels** – renewable but land use and still produce CO₂ when burned
Evaluating
Consider: reliability, cost, environmental impact, land use, and whether the resource can meet demand when needed.
A mix of resources is often used for national supply.
Practice questions
Try these without looking at the answers first.
Q1.Name two fossil fuels.
Show answer
Coal, oil, natural gas (any two)
Q2.Give one advantage of wind power.
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Renewable / no fuel cost / low carbon in use
Q3.Main greenhouse gas from burning fossil fuels?
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Carbon dioxide (CO₂)