P3 - Energy resources

Independent learning

Introduction

From the second we wake up and even while we are asleep we are using energy resources. Generating the electricity we use makes a significant contribution to climate change. In this topic we will study our options for power generation and the problems associated with them.

Specification links:

Task 1: Know

Task 1a: Use look, cover, write check and quizlet to learn the answers to the core questions and the keywords for this topic

P3 - Knowledge Organiser

Task 1b: Listen to the podcast to get an overview of this topic

Learn

Task 2: Energy demands

Task 2a: Read through the slides and watch the videos.

Lesson 1 - Energy Demands - Default

Task 2b: Make notes that:

  • Define renewable and reliable

  • List different energy resources and categorise as renewable and non-renewable

  • Describe how a fossil fuelled power station works

  • Evaluate the use of fossil fuels (this means give advantages and disadvantages)

  • Describe how nuclear power station works

  • Evaluate the use of nuclear fuels (this means give advantages and disadvantages)

Task 2c: Complete and self mark these exam questions

Task 3: Renewable energy resources

Task 3a: Read through the slides and watch the video

Lesson 2&3 - Renewable Energy Resources - Default

Task 3b: Make notes that:

  • Define biofuels

  • Evaluate the use of biofuels (give advantages and disadvantages)

  • Describe how wind power works

  • Evaluate the use of wind power (give advantages and disadvantages)

  • Describe how wave power works

  • Evaluate the use of wave power (give advantages and disadvantages)

  • Describe how hydroelectric power works

  • Evaluate the use of hydroelectric power (give advantages and disadvantages)

  • Describe how tidal power works

  • Evaluate the use of tidal power (give advantages and disadvantages)

  • Describe how geothermal energy works

  • Evaluate the use of geothermal energy (give advantages and disadvantages)

  • Describe how solar power works

  • Evaluate the use of solar power (give advantages and disadvantages)

Task 3c: Complete the exam questions and mark your answers

Task 3d: Complete the progress quiz

Task 4: Energy issues

Task 4a: Read through the slides and watch the video

Lesson 4 - Energy Issues - Default (May take 2 lessons depending on class)

Task 4b: Make notes that:

  • Describe how the demand for electricity is met

  • Define

    • start up costs

    • running costs

    • decommissioning / disposal costs

  • Summarise the problems with using fossil fuels

  • Evaluate the use of renewable resources

Task 4c: Answer these questions

Answers

  1. Gas without carbon capture storage. [1]

  2. i. Capital costs for wind and solar power much higher for same power output. [1]ii. Nuclear and coal-fired power capital costs much higher for same power output, [1] when include carbon capture storage higher overall costs for gas-fired/oil power. [1]

  3. 4000MW × 30 years = 4 × 106 kW × (30 × 365 × 24) = 1.05×1012 kWh [1] Decommissioning cost per kWh = £1000 million/1.05×1012 ≈ 0.1p/ kWh [1]


Task 4d: Complete the exam questions and mark your answers

Task 5: Summary

Task 5a: Watch the video

Task 5b: Complete the seneca learning units:

Task 5c: Make a mind map or single page revision summary of this topic and add it to your revision folder.

Task 6: Check

Complete the quiz to make sure you understand this unit.

Extend

Test yourself with these exam questions: