Energy Resources and Electricity Generation

What the resources cover

This unit looks at where electricity comes from. The flashcard deck Generating Electricity — Fuel for Electricity starts with the basic idea: in most power stations, water is heated to make steam, the steam drives a turbine, and the turbine is coupled to a generator. The note Power Stations walks through the same chain step by step, from boiler to steam turbine.

Renewable and non-renewable sources

Several mind maps compare the main options. Renewable Energy Sources includes geothermal energy, which is only possible in volcanic areas where hot rocks lie near the surface. Hydroelectric notes that such schemes can only be built in a few suitable places, but that output can be raised and lowered quickly. Tidal Power explains that energy can only be taken when the tide flows one way, so electricity is produced for about 10 hours per day. For a side-by-side view, try The Difference between renewable and non-renewable energy.

Where to start

1. Read the flashcards on fuel for electricity to learn the steam, turbine and generator chain.
2. Open the Power Stations note to see it written out in order.
3. Move to the mind maps on renewable sources, then Hydroelectric and Tidal Power.
4. Check the notes on nuclear power and fracking, and the one on advantages and disadvantages of fossil fuels and nuclear power.
5. Use the equations flashcards when you reach efficiency and power questions.

Using quizzes and maps together

Read a mind map first, then take a quiz such as Unit 11 Energy Resources Quiz or Energy, Power and Heat. Note the questions you miss, go back to the matching map, and try again. Flashcard decks such as Comparison of Energy Resources are handy for short bursts of recall.

Where it fits

This unit sits in the Energy strand of Physics. The resources mention GCSE Physics and GCSE Science, and they were made by GoConqr users. Choose one resource today, then try building a map of your own.