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AQA GCSE Geography (8035) · Spec 3.2.3.4

Energy

Read the notes, then try the questions. Each one is marked the moment you press Check, and shows the right answer and why.

Key ideas

  • Energy security means reliable, affordable access to energy. Energy insecurity is a lack of reliable supply. An energy deficit means using more than is produced. Producing lots of oil does not guarantee security.
  • Energy use rises with population growth, economic development and new technology.
  • Sources are non-renewable (coal, oil, gas, nuclear) or renewable (wind, solar, hydroelectric, biomass). Every source has an environmental impact, including renewables.
  • Insecurity affects industry, prices and homes. Sustainable energy includes renewable sources, energy saving and local schemes such as micro-hydro. Electric cars still use energy.

Key terms

Energy security
Reliable, affordable access to energy.
Energy deficit
Using more energy than is produced.
Energy consumption
The amount of energy used.
Renewable energy
Energy from sources that do not run out, such as wind and solar.
Non-renewable energy
Energy from sources that will run out, such as coal, oil and gas.
Micro-hydro
A small hydroelectric scheme that serves a local community.

Common mistakes

  • Saying renewables have no environmental impact. A hydroelectric dam can flood a valley, and wind farms change landscapes.
  • Confusing energy insecurity with energy deficit. A country in deficit can still have dependable imports.
  • Saying electric cars use no energy. They use electricity, which counts as energy use.

Exam tip

Link events step by step: oil supply falls, prices rise, factories cut production, jobs fall. Each link develops the answer. For a 6-mark question, include a named example and a conclusion.

Free practice questions

6 questions, 12 marks. Answer, then press Check. The marking guide explains how the marks are worked out. Nothing is saved.

  1. Question 1 · Multiple choice[1 mark]

    Which statement best defines energy insecurity?

  2. Question 2 · Fill the gaps[2 marks]

    Energy ___ is a lack of reliable supply; an energy ___ is using more than is produced.

    Word bank: insecurity · surplus · deficit

  3. Question 3 · Matching[3 marks]

    Match each energy term to its meaning.

  4. Question 4 · Sort into groups[3 marks]

    Sort each energy source into the correct group.

    Nuclear

    Natural gas

    Wind

  5. Question 5 · Put in order[1 mark]

    Put this chain of effects of an oil shortage in order, starting with the cause.

    Use the arrows to put these in the right order, first at the top.

    1. 1Fuel prices rise
    2. 2Jobs and incomes fall
    3. 3Factories cut production
    4. 4Oil supply falls
  6. Question 6 · Choose more than one[2 marks]

    Which TWO statements about renewable energy are correct?

    Choose 2.