Types of energy Cambridge IGCSE Geography (9–1) revision
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In plain words
Every source of energy is one of two kinds: something that will run out, or something that will not. The world still runs mostly on the first kind.
7 things to know
- Non-renewable energy comes from sources that are finite and will run out: the fossil fuels, coal, oil and natural gas, and nuclear power, which uses uranium.
- Renewable energy comes from sources that are naturally replaced and will not run out.
- Solar power uses energy from the sun. Wind power uses turbines turned by the wind. Hydroelectric power (HEP) uses water flowing from a reservoir through turbines.
- Tidal power uses the rise and fall of the tide. Wave power uses the movement of waves. Geothermal power uses heat from inside the Earth.
- Biomass is energy from plant and animal material, such as wood, crop waste and dung.
- Fuelwood can be either. If trees are replanted as fast as they are cut, it is renewable. If not, it is non-renewable.
- Fossil fuels release carbon dioxide when burned. Nuclear power and most renewables release very little in use.
Worked example
Explain why fuelwood can be described as both renewable and non-renewable.
- Trees can grow again, so wood can be replaced.
- If new trees are planted and allowed to grow at the same rate as trees are cut, the supply goes on for ever: renewable.
- If trees are cut faster than they regrow, the forest disappears and the supply runs out: non-renewable.
Tips and tricks
- Nuclear power is non-renewable, because uranium is finite, even though it is low in carbon. Do not put it with the renewables.
- "Renewable" means it will not run out. "Sustainable" is wider: it also means not harming the environment or future generations.
It lands in your notebook with its questions as flashcards.
Types of energy: 5 questions and answers
These are the quiz’s questions. Do the quiz first, then come back here for the ones that got you.
Which is a non-renewable source of energy?
It took millions of years to form and will run out.
Which is a renewable source of energy?
Heat from inside the Earth is continually available.
Why is nuclear power non-renewable?
The fuel will eventually run out.
What does biomass energy come from?
Wood, crop waste and dung.
When is fuelwood a renewable resource?
Otherwise the forest is used up.
Quiz
5 questions
Tap an answer and you’ll see straight away whether it’s right, and why.
Worksheet
3 questions, 8 marks. Write your answers on paper, then check them.
Types of energy
Cambridge IGCSE Geography (9–1) 0976 · 8 marks · papermunch.org
Name ______________________________ Date ______________
Describe the difference between renewable and non-renewable energy.[2]
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Renewable energy comes from sources that are naturally replaced and will not run out. Non-renewable energy comes from sources that are finite and will eventually run out.
Name two renewable and two non-renewable sources of energy.[4]
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Renewable: solar and wind. Non-renewable: coal and oil. (Also: HEP, geothermal, tidal; gas, nuclear.)
Describe how hydroelectric power is generated.[2]
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Water stored behind a dam flows down through turbines. The turbines turn generators, which produce electricity.
Answers: Types of energy
- 1. Renewable energy comes from sources that are naturally replaced and will not run out. Non-renewable energy comes from sources that are finite and will eventually run out.
- 2. Renewable: solar and wind. Non-renewable: coal and oil. (Also: HEP, geothermal, tidal; gas, nuclear.)
- 3. Water stored behind a dam flows down through turbines. The turbines turn generators, which produce electricity.



