Energy Resources (AQA GCSE Physics Combined Science): Revision Notes

Renewable energy comes from sources that can be naturally replenished, like wind and sunlight. These resources are sustainable, but their energy production can be less consistent—solar energy depends on sunlight, and wind energy relies on wind conditions.

Non-renewable energy sources, such as fossil fuels and nuclear fuel, provide a high energy output per kilogramme of fuel, making them suitable for large-scale energy production. However, they are finite and will eventually be exhausted.

As fossil fuels become scarcer, renewable energy is increasingly important for the future. The development of renewable technologies has accelerated as we seek alternatives to non-renewable resources. Despite their sustainability, renewable energy sources can be less reliable. For example, solar power is ineffective at night or during cloudy weather, and wind power is dependent on wind availability.

Patterns and Trends of Energy Use:

1. During the Industrial Revolution, fossil fuels became an important source of energy as it was easy to mine, and provided a lot of energy
2. Only recently has renewable energy become more suitable – technology has had to develop a lot since the Industrial Revolution to be able to harness such energy sources efficiently
3. It is easier to use energy resources due to increasing pressure to cope with the public's increasing power demands but harder to solve environmental issues due to political, social, ethical and economic considerations.