Physics Mains Energy

Mains Energy

Generating Electricity

• Electricity is a convenient form of energy that can be generated using different energy sources
• Some are renewable, some are non-renewable
• Three-quarters of the electricity generated in the UK comes from power stations fuelled by fossil fuels
• Fossil fuels are non-renewable
• Coal and oil release sulfur dioxide when burnt which causes breathing problems and contributes to acid rain
• Fossil fuels release carbon dioxide when they burn which adds to the greenhouse effect and increases global warming

• The main nuclear fuels are uranium and plutonium
• They are radioactive metals
• Nuclear fuels are not burnt to release energy, instead nuclear fission reactions in the fuels release heat energy
• Unlike fossil fuels, nuclear fuels do not produce carbon dioxide or sulfur dioxide
• Non-renewable, large amount of radioactive material could be released into the environment and nuclear waste remains radioactive and is hazardous for thousands of years

• Windy energy 
• Kinetic energy is wind is a renewable energy source
• Wind turbines use the wind to drive turbines directly
• As the wind blows, it transfers some of its kinetic energy to the blades which turn and drive the generator
• Produces no harmful gases, is renewable and there are no fuel costs
• Noisy and spoil the view and depends on the strength of the wind

• Water can be used to drive turbines directly
• Wave: water in the sea rises and falls because of waves on the surface
• Wave machines use the kinetic energy in this movement to power electricity generators
• Tides: a…