logo

Cambridge IGCSE Environmental Management practice

Paper 1 structured question: Energy resources and the generation of electricity

Try the question first, then check the answer and practise the same topic again.

At a glance

1

Paper

6

Marks

Topic

Energy resources and the generation of electricity

Exam-style question

Try this first

Paper 1Theory6 marks

Each energy resource has advantages and disadvantages affecting the environment, economy, and society.

Description

Pros and Cons of Energy Resources

Consider the following points: - Fossil fuels produce high energy but cause pollution. - Nuclear power produces large amounts of energy but creates radioactive waste. - Renewable resources have lower emissions but can be intermittent. - Some renewables require specific locations (e.g., geothermal, hydro).

Energy ResourceAdvantagesDisadvantages
Fossil FuelsHigh energy output, reliable supplyAir pollution, greenhouse gases, finite
Nuclear PowerLarge energy output, low greenhouse gasesRadioactive waste, high cost, accident risk
Renewable EnergySustainable, low emissionsIntermittent supply, location dependent
  1. a

    Discuss Discuss one environmental advantage and one environmental disadvantage of using renewable energy resources.

    Aim for approximately 4 distinct marking points.

    [4]
  2. b

    Suggest Suggest one social benefit and one economic challenge of using renewable energy.

    Aim for approximately 2 distinct marking points.

    [2]

0 of 2 parts answered

Answer every part before opening the mark scheme.

Common mistake

No common mistake is linked to this question yet.

Related flashcards

Flashcard 1 of 6

Press Space to flip, arrows to move

Related practice questions

Question 1 of 5

Choose an answer, get feedback, then move sideways through the set.

0 of 4 attempted

Paper 1 structured question: Energy resources and the generation of electricity

Paper 1Theory4 marks

Description

Energy Resources Overview

List of energy resources: coal, oil, natural gas, nuclear power, biofuels, geothermal power, hydro-electric power, tidal power, wave power, solar power, wind power.

Energy ResourceTypeElectricity Generation Method
CoalNon-renewableBurned to produce steam that drives turbines
OilNon-renewableBurned to produce steam that drives turbines
Natural GasNon-renewableBurned to produce steam or used in gas turbines
Nuclear PowerNon-renewableNuclear reactions produce heat to create steam
BiofuelsRenewableBurned to produce steam
Geothermal PowerRenewableHeat from Earth produces steam
Hydro-electric PowerRenewableFlowing water turns turbines
Tidal PowerRenewableTidal movements turn turbines
Wave PowerRenewableWave motion turns turbines
Solar PowerRenewablePhotovoltaic cells convert sunlight
Wind PowerRenewableWind turns turbine blades
  1. a

    Identify Identify two renewable energy resources from the list.

    Aim for approximately 1 distinct marking point.

    [1]
  2. b

    Explain Explain how coal is used to generate electricity.

    Aim for approximately 3 distinct marking points.

    [3]