AQA GCSE Science & Additional Science Physics 1 Topic 4 Hodder Education Revision Lessons Methods we use to generate electricity Click to continue

AQA GCSE Science & Additional Science Physics 1 Topic 4 Overview Various energy sources can be used to generate the electricity we need. The advantages and disadvantages of each energy source must be considered before deciding which source(s) would be best to use in any particular situation. Electricity is distributed by the National Grid. Click to continue

AQA GCSE Science & Additional Science Physics 1 Topic 4 Generating electricity from fuels 1 In some power stations an energy source is used to heat water. The steam produced is used to drive a turbine, which is coupled to an electrical generator. Energy sources include: Click to continue fossil fuels (coal, oil and gas), which are burned to heat water or air uranium and plutonium, when energy from nuclear fission is used to heat water biofuels, which can be burned to heat water

AQA GCSE Science & Additional Science Physics 1 Topic 4 Generating electricity from fuels 2 How does a nuclear power station differ from this one? Click to continue The first stage in generating electricity from coal or oil is to burn it. Energy is transferred and used to heat water and produce steam. The steam drives steam turbines, which turn generators and the generators produce electricity.

AQA GCSE Science & Additional Science Physics 1 Topic 4 Generating electricity using wind Wind can be used to drive turbines directly. Click to continue Why are some people opposed to wind power?

AQA GCSE Science & Additional Science Physics 1 Topic 4 Generating electricity using water Water can be used to drive turbines directly. Click to continue What is meant by the term a ‘pumped- storage’ power station?

AQA GCSE Science & Additional Science Physics 1 Topic 4 Electricity can be produced directly from the Sun’s radiation. Click to continue Why is southern Spain a better site for solar power than the UK? Generating electricity using solar power

AQA GCSE Science & Additional Science Physics 1 Topic 4 Generating electricity — geothermal In some volcanic areas hot water and steam rise to the surface. The steam can be tapped and used to drive turbines. This is known as geothermal energy. Click to continue Tomasz Parys/Fotolia Why isn’t geothermal energy used everywhere?

AQA GCSE Science & Additional Science Physics 1 Topic 4 Generating electricity on a small scale Small-scale production of electricity may be useful in some areas and for some uses, e.g. hydroelectricity in remote areas and solar cells for roadside signs. Settle Hydro What are the main advantages of small-scale production of electricity? Click to continue