Energy resources

    AQA
    GCSE

    Energy resources are categorized into renewable and non-renewable sources, defined by their rate of replenishment relative to human consumption. Candidates must analyze the specific energy transfers involved in electricity generation, typically linking kinetic stores in turbines to electrical work done by generators via electromagnetic induction. Assessment requires critical evaluation of resources based on reliability, environmental impact (specifically carbon footprint and waste), capital versus running costs, and their suitability for meeting base load versus peak demand.

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    Objectives
    3
    Exam Tips
    3
    Pitfalls
    4
    Key Terms
    4
    Mark Points

    What You Need to Demonstrate

    Key skills and knowledge for this topic

    • Award 1 mark for defining a renewable energy resource as one that is being (or can be) replenished as it is used
    • Credit responses that link the unreliability of wind and solar power to weather conditions, specifically stating they do not produce electricity when the wind doesn't blow or the sun doesn't shine
    • Award 1 mark for identifying that fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas) release carbon dioxide which contributes to the greenhouse effect and global warming
    • Award marks for comparing reliability: explicitly state that fossil fuels provide a reliable base load, whereas wind and solar output fluctuates with weather conditions

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Award 1 mark for defining a renewable energy resource as one that is being (or can be) replenished as it is used
    • Credit responses that link the unreliability of wind and solar power to weather conditions, specifically stating they do not produce electricity when the wind doesn't blow or the sun doesn't shine
    • Award 1 mark for identifying that fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas) release carbon dioxide which contributes to the greenhouse effect and global warming
    • Award marks for comparing reliability: explicitly state that fossil fuels provide a reliable base load, whereas wind and solar output fluctuates with weather conditions

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡When evaluating energy resources, always structure your answer to cover both advantages and disadvantages, and ensure you conclude with a justified opinion if the command word is 'Evaluate'
    • 💡Avoid generic terms like 'eco-friendly'; instead, specify 'does not release CO2' or 'does not contribute to acid rain' to secure AO1/AO2 marks
    • 💡For questions on start-up times, remember that gas power stations have shorter start-up times than nuclear or coal, making them critical for meeting peak demand

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Confusing 'renewable' with 'reusable' or 'recyclable'; examiners reject definitions that do not explicitly state the resource is replenished as it is used
    • Stating that nuclear power stations release carbon dioxide; candidates often incorrectly group nuclear with fossil fuels regarding greenhouse gases
    • Vague descriptions of environmental impact, such as saying 'it pollutes' without specifying the type of pollution (e.g., visual, noise, or atmospheric gases like sulfur dioxide)

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    Likely Command Words

    How questions on this topic are typically asked

    State
    Describe
    Explain
    Compare
    Evaluate

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