Energy Generation and Storage
Where energy comes from and how it is stored: fossil fuels, nuclear power, renewable sources like wind and solar, and batteries, with the arguments for and against each.
Justify the choices, the way you are assessed
Free interactive practice on the decisions the assessment actually asks you to justify.
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Energy generation and storage
Products and buildings need energy. Some energy comes from non-renewable sources like fossil fuels and nuclear power, which will run out or cause pollution. Other energy comes from renewable sources like wind and solar, which will not run out. Energy can also be stored, for example in rechargeable batteries.
Words for energy
Learn these four terms before you weigh up the sources.
Three kinds of source
Energy sources have different strengths and drawbacks.
Argue both sides of a source
To reach the top grades, give a reasoned argument for and against a source, weighing cost, availability and the environment, rather than just listing definitions.
Match the source to its description
- coal
- nuclear
- wind
- solar
- a fossil fuel burned to release energy
- uses uranium to release energy without burning
- a renewable source that turns turbines
- a renewable source that uses light from the sun
Match the term to its meaning
- renewable
- non-renewable
- fossil fuel
- rechargeable battery
- a source that will not run out
- a source that will run out
- a fuel formed from ancient living things
- a store that can be used many times
Which is renewable?
Which of these is a renewable energy source?
- Solar power.
- Coal.
- Oil.
- Natural gas.
Fossil fuels
Select the TWO fossil fuels.
- Coal.
- Gas.
- Wind.
- Nuclear.
Order the generation
Put the steps of generating electricity in order, earliest first.
- An energy source provides power
- The energy turns a turbine
- The turbine turns a generator
- The generator produces electricity
Summarise the sources
Fossil fuels such as coal, oil and _____ will run out, so they are _____. Sources like wind and _____ will not run out, so they are renewable. _____ power uses uranium instead of burning fuel. A _____ battery can be used many times.
Count the fossil fuels
How many fossil fuels are named here: coal, oil and gas?
Spot the two renewables
Tap the TWO renewable energy sources.
- wind power
- solar power
- coal
- oil
- gas
Renewable or non-renewable?
Decide whether each source is renewable or non-renewable.
- A wind farm generating electricity
- A coal-fired power station
- A machine that runs forever with no energy input
Argue for and against
Give a reasoned argument for and against using a renewable energy source such as wind power. Include one advantage and one disadvantage, then reach a judgement.
- Give one advantage of the source
- Give one disadvantage of the source
- Reach a supported judgement