Year 11 - Science
Energy resources
Mains electricity
Study Hub
Study Guides
This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
This unit covers UK domestic a.c. supply, mains wiring safety, energy changes in electrical systems, power ratings, and energy transfer. It explains the National Grid, transformers, energy sources, and calculations for energy changes and power transmission efficiency.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to describe and compare different ways of generating electricity.
Key Notes
- A non–renewable energy resource cannot be replenished as it is used.
- Non-renewable energy resources include fossil fuels (coal, oil and gas) and nuclear fuels.
- A renewable energy resource can be replenished as it is used.
- Renewable energy resources include biofuels, wind, hydroelectricity, geothermal, tidal, solar and water waves.
- Science can identify environmental issues, but political, social, ethical and economic considerations determine action.
Vocabulary To Learn
- renewable energy resource: an energy resource that can be replenished as quickly as it is used or will not run out
- non-renewable energy resource: an energy resource that cannot be replenished as quickly as it is used and will eventually run out
- fossil fuels: energy sources formed over millions of years from the remains of dead organisms
- sustainable energy: using energy resources so that, in the future, there will be enough for people's needs
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Renewable energy resources are more expensive than fossil fuels and cannot meet the demand for electricity on their own.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain the scientific idea in this lesson using two key points.
A non–renewable energy resource cannot be replenished as it is used. Non-renewable energy resources include fossil fuels (coal, oil and gas) and nuclear fuels.
2. Define this scientific word and use it in context. 'renewable energy resource'
an energy resource that can be replenished as quickly as it is used or will not run out. Include the word in a full scientific explanation, not as a single label.
3. Correct this common scientific misunderstanding.
Mistake: Renewable energy resources are more expensive than fossil fuels and cannot meet the demand for electricity on their own. Correction: Compare the cost of renewable energy resources with that of fossil fuels and explore advantages in energy storage technologies.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Calculating with electric charge Study Guide
- Calculating with electric charge: including complex calculations Study Guide
- Danger from electric shock Study Guide
- Power of an appliance or electric circuit Study Guide
- Short circuits and earth wires Study Guide
- The National Grid Study Guide
- Transformers Study Guide
Browse all guides in the Year 11 Science guide library.