O Level Physics Chapter :18: Energy Resources and Electricity Generation
Prepared By: Shakil Raiman
18.1: Renewable and Non-Renewable Energy Source:
A renewable energy source is one that will not run out or effectively can be replaced once it has been used. It is infinite source of energy.
Example: Wind energy, tidal energy, solar energy, wood etc.
A non-renewable energy source is one that effectively cannot be replaced once it has been used. It is finite source of energy. It takes millions of years to replace.
Example: coal, gas, petroleum (petrol, diesel etc.), uranium.
18.2: Renewable and Non-Renewable Energy Source:
18.2: Electricity & Electricity Generation:
Electricity is not an energy resource, because it has to be generated using other sources of energy.
Heat from nuclear fuel or from burning fossil fuels is used to heat water. This produces high-pressure steam that makes the blades of a turbine spin. The turbine is used to turn the generator which generates the electricity.
Electricity is convenient to transport and use. So all other energy resources is mostly used to produce electricity.
18.2.1: Electricity Generation
18.2.2: Electricity Generation
18.3: Hydroelectric Power:
18.3: Hydroelectric Power:
Advantage: Renewable so no waste of non-renewable resources No release of carbon-di-oxide (CO2) gas which is a
greenhouse gas No release of sulphar-di-oxide (SO2) gas which
causes acid rain Low maintenance cost and no fuel has to be paid
for Tourist amenity if a new lake is created for boating
or fishing
18.3: Hydroelectric Power:
Disadvantage: Only suitable for hilly region with high rainfall Land has to be flooded so loss of habitants Unusable during draught as no water in the
dam Occupies a large area so possible loss of scenic
amenity
18.4: Wind Turbine connected to Generators:
18.4.1: Wind Turbine connected to Generators:
Advantages: No fuel is burned so no atmospheric pollution Nothing has to be transported to the nor any
waste disposed of Coal/oil/gas is not burned so does not increase
the “greenhouse” effect Renewable energy source.
18.4.2: Wind Turbine connected to Generators:
Disadvantages: Wind not always strong enough so no electricity
is generated Wind may not match demand for electricity Sound pollution so loss of tourist Visual pollution so loss of scenic value. Kill birds so hamper animal life
18.5: Geothermal Energy:
18.5.1: Geothermal Energy:
Advantages: Does not depend on weather No greenhouse gases Requires little space Renewable energy source
18.4.2: Geothermal Energy:
Disadvantages: Limited sites Need to drill deep holes Long time to survey and build Harmful minerals brought up
18.6: Solar Energy:
18.6.1: Solar Energy:
Advantages: Renewable so no waste of non-renewable resources No release of carbon-di-oxide (CO2) gas which is a
greenhouse gas No release of sulphar-di-oxide (SO2) gas which
causes acid rain Low maintenance cost and no fuel has to be paid for
18.6.2: Solar Energy:
Disadvantages: Depends on weather Limited sites Initial installation cost is high
18.7: Coal/Gas/Oil Fired Power Station:
18.7: Coal/Gas/Oil Fired Power Station:
18.7: Coal/Gas/Oil Fired Power Station:
Advantages: Does not depend on weather Establish and reliable technology Still large reserves of coal Coal available in many parts of the world The process of mining, transportation ad
generation employ large number of people
18.7: Coal Fired Power Station:
Disadvantages: Uses a non-renewable energy resource Produces CO2 so results in pollution and greenhouse
effect Produces SO2 gas and causes acid rain Enhance greenhouse effect Results in large number of solid waste Waste is slightly radioactive.
Thank You All
Wish you all very good luck and excellent result.