4.1.3.1 Resources

Spec reference: 4.1.3 (subtopic).

What you need to know

• resources – most of our electricity is generated by burning fossil fuels and nuclear. The UK is trying to increase the amount of
• renewable energy resources. The governments are aware that non-renewable energy resources are running out; targets of renewable resources have
• been set. Electric and hybrid cars are also now on the market.
• However, changing the fuels we use and building renewable power plants cost money. Many people are against the building of the plants near them
• and do not want to pay the extra in their energy bills. Hybrid and electric cars are also quite expensive.
• Energy Resource Advantages Disadvantages
• solar – using sunlight Renewable, no pollution, in sunny countries it
• is very reliable.

Self-assessment (checklist)

• I can name the main energy resources available for use
• I can describe what is meant by a renewable energy
• I can distinguish between energy resources that are
• I can compare the ways that different energy resources
• I can explain why some energy resources are more
• I can describe the environmental impact arising from the
• I can explain patterns and trends in the use of energy
• I can give reasons why science does not always have

Key steps (method)

• Identify what the question is testing and use the correct equation/definition.
• Show substitutions and units clearly.

Common mistakes

• Unit conversions, rearranging errors, or quoting a law without applying it.