Pearson Edexcel GCSE Geography A (1GA0) · Spec 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6 and 6.7
Energy resource management
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
- Fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas) are non-renewable because they form far more slowly than we use them. Nuclear power is also non-renewable because uranium is finite.
- A country's energy mix is the share that each source supplies of the total energy used.
- Hydro-electric power (HEP) is electricity made by falling or flowing fresh water turning turbines. Tidal and wave power are different renewables.
- Fracking is injecting water, sand and chemicals at high pressure into shale to release gas.
- Energy demand rises with population, wealth and technology. Sustainable management mixes lower-carbon sources, saving energy and storage.
Key terms
- Energy mix
- The share each source supplies of the total energy used.
- Fossil fuel
- A fuel formed from ancient living things, such as coal, oil and gas.
- Fracking
- Injecting water, sand and chemicals into shale to release gas.
- Hydro-electric power
- Electricity made by falling or flowing water turning turbines.
- Carbon footprint
- The greenhouse gases caused by a person or group.
Common mistakes
- Saying nuclear power is renewable because it is low carbon. Uranium is a finite fuel.
- Defining energy mix as a list of sources. It needs the idea of amounts or shares.
- Giving a vague disadvantage such as 'it damages the environment'. Name a specific one, such as groundwater contamination or earthquakes.
Exam tip
The Q4/Q5 choice is energy or water, worth 20 marks. In a named-place 4-marker, use a country of the right tier. The 8-marker is Assess or Evaluate: weigh demand, cost, environment and who is for and against.
Free practice questions
6 questions, 7 marks. Answer, then press Check. The marking guide explains how the marks are worked out. Nothing is saved.
- Question 1 · Multiple choice[1 mark]
Which statement about nuclear power is correct?
- Question 2 · Multiple choice[1 mark]
What is meant by a country's energy mix?
- Question 3 · Multiple choice[1 mark]
What is hydro-electric power (HEP)?
- Question 4 · Multiple choice[1 mark]
Which statement describes fracking?
- Question 5 · True or false[1 mark]
Is this statement true or false?
- Question 6 · Choose more than one[2 marks]
Which TWO of these energy sources are non-renewable?
Choose 2.